 Bairstow debuted for Geelong in 1987 and soon became Geelong's main ruck-rover.In the late 1980s, Geelong's midfield would be among the better in the then Victorian Football League (VFL) with Paul Couch, Andrew Bews and Bairstow teaming beautifully to supply the team's powerful forward line.Bairstow was recognised as a prolific kick-getter, none more so than in 1989 when he amassed 404 kicks during the 22-round home and away season to finish third on the disposals list with 591, behind Paul Couch on 615 and Terry Wallace on 614.