One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: one-eyed on November 27, 2017, 07:22:43 PM
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Liam Baker
Date of birth: 27/1/1998
Height: 173cm
Weight: 67kg
Position: Midfielder/forward
From: Subiaco (WAFL)
Liam played with West Perth in 2016 and represented WA at u18 national level. In 2017 he moved clubs to Subiaco where he played 13 league games as a midfielder/forward. He averaged 16 disposals and kicked 19 goals this season with four tackles per game. Liam is a superbly balanced player who is highly skilled on both sides of his body with elite crumbing ability. Liam has great defensive instincts as a forward, constantly harassing the opposition and intercepting loose balls. Liam ran a 10:24 3km time trial at the 2016 National Combine to rank in the top 15 of that draft class.
We are delighted to add Liam to our midfield and forward mix.
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2017-11-27/baker-a-tiger-rookie
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(https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/B88496604Z/GKT12MAKE.2-1.jpg?imwidth=800)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DHznjfFV0AAIunw.jpg:large)
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Welcome to tiger land. As a small forward rookie ATM you seriously have your work cut out for you to even stay on the list let alone play 1sts. Good Luck your gonna need it.
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Looks more like a mid than a small forward IMHO.
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Looks more like a mid than a small forward IMHO.
Totally agree with that beautifully balanced on both sides to.
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Decent possession and high tackle numbers in the 3 WAFL finals he played this year.
Baker's WAFL stats: http://www.wafl.com.au/players/view/6106
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What the club says:
"Liam's a small midfielder/forward. He played in the national carnival for WA last year and was a bit unlucky, I thought, to not get drafted. We just thought that as much as our list is reasonably full of small forward/midfielders … Liam's talent was too good to ignore. His talent, his competitiveness and his workrate was just such high quality that we were happy to add him to our list."
- Recruiting manager Matthew Clarke
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-11-27/rookie-draft-washup-who-did-your-club-get
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Would have preferred another tall personally but welcome aboard anyway!
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It seems we saw him as clearly the best talent available and I'm fine with that approach.
Clarke's done a good job these past few years so I'm happy to back him in.
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He's played seniors in the wafl against big body's so if needed he can play.Was one of Subiacos best in wafl gf against a lot of dockers listed players.
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Dual premiership coach of WAFL club Subiaco Jarrad Schofield is convinced Richmond rookie draft selection Liam Baker possesses the required attributes to play AFL football.
Baker, 19, played 13 games, kicked 19 goals for Subiaco, and averaged 16 disposals per match in his first season at the club this year after transferring from West Perth, when he missed out on being drafted to the AFL at the end of 2016.
The tenacious, skilful small forward was the WA Lions’ best player in their preliminary final victory over South Fremantle, picking up 17 disposals, kicking three goals, and earning high praise for the crucial strong defensive pressure he applied throughout the match.
He subsequently was one of Subiaco’s best players in the grand final loss to Peel Thunder, finishing with 19 disposals.
In the lead-up to last Monday’s AFL rookie draft, Schofield had urged West Coast and Fremantle to look closely at securing Baker’s services, citing the capacity to lift for big games against quality opposition as evidence he could take the next step in his football career.
“He has only been at our club for a short time, but what he has shown in that time is his commitment and his want to improve his game,” Schofield said.
“The only thing that clubs may be concerned about is Liam’s stature, but he is a little terrier who can play that small forward half-forward role, which he did quite well for us.
“He is one of the guys who I would expect the WA clubs should be looking at.
“I think he has shown enough to indicate he can play at the highest level.
“He was close to getting drafted last year and he has improved again and shown that he can play league footy.”
“I am confident he is good enough to go. I just hope he doesn’t have to wait another 12 months for it to happen.”
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2017-12-02/baker-in-the-mix
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First day at Punt Road for Liam Baker 👍 #gotiges
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQa0jzJUQAAMOoP.jpg)
https://twitter.com/Richmond_FC/status/938636662204129280
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I don't know why, but every time I see photos of this guy I think of Angus Young.
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First day at Punt Road for Liam Baker 👍 #gotiges
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQa0jzJUQAAMOoP.jpg)
https://twitter.com/Richmond_FC/status/938636662204129280
Looks a lot like Matt Mcdonough in that shot
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Tiger rookie in contention for blockbuster debut
Daniel Cherny
The Age
23 July 2018
Richmond rookie Liam Baker is in contention to debut in Saturday’s MCG blockbuster against Collingwood after starring again in the VFL.
The diminutive West Australian kicked three goals as the Tigers consolidated their spot atop the VFL ladder with a 66-point win over Sandringham at Trevor Barker Beach Oval yesterday.
Baker, taken at pick 18 in last November’s rookie draft, was a travelling emergency for the Tigers game against Greater Western Sydney last weekend and Richmond VFL coach Craig McRae said after yesterday’s showing that the youngster looked ready to play at the top level, although conceded opportunities could be hard to come by after Richmond’s seniors thumped St Kilda on Friday.
“He’s in serious form. He was unlucky not to play a couple of weeks ago,” McRae said.
“He looks like an AFL footballer. He played as a genuine forward this week. Normally we’ll play him in mid roles, forward/mids. It probably held him out that he hadn’t played much forward with us.
“Today after what he did, I don’t think he’ll play much with us going forward.
“The way he played today, he’ll certainly grab the attention of the match committee.”
McRae said he was impressed with the way Baker adapted to ‘‘a different role’’. ‘‘He’s been playing a role where he’s around the ball at stoppages, where today he was having to create his own opportunity, so I was really pleased with how he did that.
“They played pretty well Friday night, so it’s going to be hard to get into that team but he looks really ready.”
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tiger-rookie-in-contention-for-blockbuster-debut-20180722-p4zsz1.html
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“And there’s a young kid we’ve got in our ‘twos’, as well, Liam Baker, that’s probably a little bit similar [to Lambert].
“They’re the sort of players, as coaches, you love because they work incredibly hard, they’re no fuss, and they just love playing the game.
“We’re fortunate to have a number of those players . . .”
Source: RFC website (http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-07-22/lambert-leads-the-way)
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lets back this SOB in.
get around him peoples!!
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...and you'll be the first to bag him and call for him to be dropped if he has a poor game.... :shh
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I won't say he is a gun player.
More like a little pistol. :thumbsup
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Dual-sided player too....can never have enough of them.... :shh
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So how come Baker is ahead of Stengle?
Can anyone enlighten me pls?
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Well they both deserve a crack IMO but if Baker is ahead of Stengle for senior selection I suspect it's because he can also play midfield, has a bigger tank, is quicker and brings more defensive pressure. :shh
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Well they both deserve a crack IMO but if Baker is ahead of Stengle for senior selection I suspect it's because he can also play midfield, has a bigger tank, is quicker and brings more defensive pressure. :shh
Fair answer, lets see what happens at the selection table
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...and you'll be the first to bag him and call for him to be dropped if he has a poor game.... :shh
draft post for the following week:-
lets back out of having this SOB in the team.
Get away from him peoples!
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So how come Baker is ahead of Stengle?
Can anyone enlighten me pls?
midfield smarts. watch the highlights vid from the sandringham game. hes doing things like Lambert. plus he can rest fwd and crum
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lets back this SOB in.
get around him peoples!!
:clapping the kid is a natural.
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Good to see we are giving him a go.
We need to see what guys like Baker and Stengle can produce at AFL level before heading in to the finals.
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i like the cut of the bloke's jib
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He’s a fabulous Baker, boys.
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Richmond development coach Xavier Clarke talking about Liam Baker:
High football IQ
“He’s a smart footballer. He sees the game really well . . . He had to learn how to play our system, and he picked it up really quickly.”
Hungry for the leather
“I think the beauty about Liam is that he loves hunting the footy, which we love. He wants to get his hands on the ball . . .”
Popular playing group member
“He’s fitted really well into our culture. I think it kicked off when the first-year boys had the camp to Tasmania and he just bought in from the start, which is fantastic. And he earned respect from the group through his work-rate . . . He’s been a great addition.”
A Lambert lookalike
“He’s very similar to Kane Lambert the way he plays, with his ability to be able to run up and back. He’s got pace, and that change of pace, which really helps him as well. He can run all day, which is a great strength. And he’s also very tough over the footy, and good with the ball. He’s got a lot of really good attributes. Last weekend (v Sandringham), he actually just played purely as a forward, just to learn those running patterns. He kicked three goals and probably could have had more. He gave a few off and his work-rate was great . . . He tackled well, as well. He’s probably a forward that can go into the midfield as well, and then spread really hard from contests.”
Potential role at AFL level
“At this stage, I’d think it’d be as a small forward, something like a Dan Butler-type role, with the ability to be able to go in the midfield as well for small stints.”
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-07-24/coaches-corner-liam-baker
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From Barrett's 'Sliding Doors' column today:
RICHMOND
IF ... there's one selection in round 19 we love ...
THEN ... it's Liam Baker in for his debut. Won't know what hit him in front of 90,000.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-07-27/sliding-doors-round-19
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How did we all see Baker's debut?
Had a couple of chances to kick goals but rushed the kick being not use to the quicker tempo.
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He was stuffing awesome and will only get better.
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Looks a very promising prospect.
Thought he played well today, given the intense nature of the game. Not out of place at all.
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Got caught out with the the pace of the game but will get better
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Very impressive debut imo.
Looks very much at home at AFL level.
Smart footballer.
Did a lot of small things that don’t necessarily go down on the stat sheet which just showed me he understands the footy we play at Richmond.
Looking forward to seeing a lot more of him.
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Really good debut in a massive fame, wasn’t overawed either. Once his conditioning gets to afl level he’ll be a very useful player
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Really good debut in a massive fame, wasn’t overawed either. Once his conditioning gets to afl level he’ll be a very useful player
He was out on his feet in the last. Completely stuffed.
At least now he knows the level he needs to get to fitness wise.
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Hope he gets another game
Still a bit off it but looks the goods
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He was a little unlucky that he wasn’t able to kick a goal as he rushed it a bit. Probably overawed by the speed of the game.
Personality I think Stengle is ahead of him as a small forward but I wouldn’t know for sure if Stengle has the tank required for a full game of AFL footy.
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He was a little unlucky that he wasn’t able to kick a goal as he rushed it a bit. Probably overawed by the speed of the game.
Personality I think Stengle is ahead of him as a small forward but I wouldn’t know for sure if Stengle has the tank required for a full game of AFL footy.
Were you at the game or did you watch it on TV?
Imo from watching him live he was very “one touch” especially early when he wasn’t completely stuffed.
I haven’t watched the replay yet but sometimes it can show something completely different to what you see live.
Anyway I recon he showed enough to get another crack at it next week.
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He was a little unlucky that he wasn’t able to kick a goal as he rushed it a bit. Probably overawed by the speed of the game.
Personality I think Stengle is ahead of him as a small forward but I wouldn’t know for sure if Stengle has the tank required for a full game of AFL footy.
Were you at the game or did you watch it on TV?
Imo from watching him live he was very “one touch” especially early when he wasn’t completely stuffed.
I haven’t watched the replay yet but sometimes it can show something completely different to what you see live.
Anyway I recon he showed enough to get another crack at it next week.
I was there. Great atmosphere. B
The youngster was ok but was a bit rushed imo. Looked like he was just a little off pace but that’s ok he’ll get used to it soon enough. He’s definitely no squib. I liked how he’s not scared to go in for the footy and that showed today.
I’d also like to see Stengle have a crack too. He’s a tackling machine and a very clever player.
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Hardwick had no qualms about backing in the 20-year-old Liam Baker on the big stage again.
“I thought he was really good,” Hardwick said.
“He probably just didn’t capitalise on the scoreboard a couple of times, which he normally would.
“He was probably trying to get rid of the ball a little bit quicker. There’s a stark difference in speed of game in AFL compared to the VFL.
“He’ll be better for the run.
“But we were really pleased with his work rate and his ability to get to contests.
“He did that really well and we think he’s going to be a good player for us.”
https://thewest.com.au/sport/richmond-tigers/wa-rookie-liam-baker-holds-spot-for-high-flying-richmond-against-geelong-ng-b88915858z
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http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-09-03/baker-offered-vfl-suspension
Has been suspended for 1 match. Utter garbage!
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Rookie set to pen new deal at Tigerland
Jennifer Phelan and Mitch Cleary
afl.com.au
Sep 17, 2018 4:02PM
YOUNG Richmond forward Liam Baker will be retained as a rookie on the Tigers' list in 2019 after an impressive debut season.
It is understood the 20-year-old West Australian has agreed to terms for a second year as a rookie following his promising introduction to AFL football.
He was one of three Richmond debutants in 2018, along with Jack Higgins and Ryan Garthwaite, after he broke through for his first game in round 19.
He played three AFL games in total and averaged more than four scoring involvements across them before he returned to the VFL where he was played as both a genuine forward and in midfield roles throughout the season.
A one-match VFL suspension ruled him out of the AFL side's first final against Hawthorn and the VFL semi-final against Essendon.
But he has continued to train with the extended squad in the hope of an unlikely call-up given the strong health of the AFL team's list.
His re-signing follows on from last week's triple hit of recommitments from young defender Oleg Markov and veteran pair Bachar Houli and Shaun Grigg.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-09-17/rookie-set-to-pen-new-deal-at-tigerland
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Good news - good young player who exceeded expectations this year :clapping
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http://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/2018-11-11/tigers-department-of-youth-baker
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Dunno bout Liam meself. Must improve his tackling and shots for goal as he is vying for small pressure forward role and we have George and Rioli
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A bit overlooked in the win reading the media articles but that was a pretty decent return game from Baker yesterday playing that small forward/mid mix role. Not only hit the scoreboard with a goal of his own and an assist but won his fair share of contested ball and a couple of centre clearances.
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A very solid game and the pass to Lynch for the sealer was pinpoint, thank God George wasn't the one who had to hit the target.
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A very solid game and the pass to Lynch for the sealer was pinpoint, thank God George wasn't the one who had to hit the target.
:lol. So true. Castagna would’ve either tried to bounce the ball and over ran the ball altogether or he would’ve hand passed it needlessly to another teammates feet or if he kicked it there’s no knowing where that ball would’ve gone, most likely out on the full or straight in the arms of the Port Adelaide defender. :rollin
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A very solid game and the pass to Lynch for the sealer was pinpoint, thank God George wasn't the one who had to hit the target.
:lol. So true. Castagna would’ve either tried to bounce the ball and over ran the ball altogether or he would’ve hand passed it needlessly to another teammates feet or if he kicked it there’s no knowing where that ball would’ve gone, most likely out on the full or straight in the arms of the Port Adelaide defender. :rollin
:lol true
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Career high 21 disposals and a goal from Baker tonight.
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Looks very promising.
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Very good in traffic and his decision making gets better by the week as he plays seniors.
Good hardness too
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Confident when he is in possession unlike George who is manic, Baker is very clean with his disposal and really links up well going inside 50. Think the couple of games he played last season have made him feel he belongs at this level.
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Confident when he is in possession unlike George who is manic, Baker is very clean with his disposal and really links up well going inside 50. Think the couple of games he played last season have made him feel he belongs at this level.
I wouldn't say really clean. Anyone looks clean compared to Castagna and co. But definitely his most promising game yet.
Still, I feel like he's the kinda guy that, when he's in your ones it means you've got better players out on the sidelines for whatever reason.
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Confident when he is in possession unlike George who is manic, Baker is very clean with his disposal and really links up well going inside 50. Think the couple of games he played last season have made him feel he belongs at this level.
He ran into an open goal last night and missed from 30 straight in front- early second quarter.
He also missed a set shot from 30 straight in front last week.
I would hardly say he is very clean with his disposal.
His finishing isn’t great for a crumbing forward.
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Confident when he is in possession unlike George who is manic, Baker is very clean with his disposal and really links up well going inside 50. Think the couple of games he played last season have made him feel he belongs at this level.
He ran into an open goal last night and missed from 30 straight in front- early second quarter.
He also missed a set shot from 30 straight in front last week.
I would hardly say he is very clean with his disposal.
His finishing isn’t great for a crumbing forward.
Agree, big tone, that miss was ...well... pathetic
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I would give most players a free pass over a kick or two at goal going astray
However a player who kicks approx 6 points and 2 out of full in a game well..........
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I would give most players a free pass over a kick or two at goal going astray
However a player who kicks approx 6 points and 2 out of full in a game well..........
:shh
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Geez cut the kid some slack, he’s only 4 games into his career, focus on the positives instead of nitpicking the few mistakes he’s made. Has been excellent these past 2 weeks and is earning his spot.
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I wasn’t knocking the kid but his goal kicking needs work.
I really like what he brings and hopefully he can improve his goal kicking and keep Butler out of the side.
He definitely seems to keep more involved in the game than Butler does.
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Good game though his lack of pace got exposed a couple of times...currently playing better then a few better players... :shh
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Thoughts on Baker's game last night?
19 disposals (12k, 7h, 6c, 12u, 68.4% eff.)
3 marks
3 clearances
3 first possessions
5 tackles
5 inside 50s
7 clangers
3 frees against
2 goals
1 goal assist
74% game time.
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Jet. His kick to set up jacks second in the third quarter was a beauty.
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He looks like he will tighten up his game with experience and become a really dangerous player. dat hair.
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Gun. This guys hands are sensational. He moves so well, he reminds me of Shedwards
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Butler will have to pull his finger out to get his spot back :shh
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Butler will have to pull his finger out to get his spot back :shh
Bolton is twice the player of Butler
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Baker last year averaged 11.3 disposals in the three games he played and kicked one goal. In three games so far this season, he’s up to averaging 19.0 disposals, 3.3 tackles and has kicked a total of four goals.
On Anzac Eve, he had five score involvements and finished with 371 metres gained.
Read more: https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-04-25/dimma-on-liam-baker
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Liam Baker inspired by fellow little man Caleb Daniel
Jon Ralph,
Herald Sun
April 29, 2019
For decades AFL’s senior coaches have warned us football will soon be the exclusive domain of 195cm midfielders in the mould of Patrick Cripps.
On Saturday night two of the three smallest players in footy will cross paths and prove this game is still for all shapes and sizes.
Call it the Rise of the Little Man, but Caleb Daniel and Liam Baker refuse to be bound by stereotypes.
And as Richmond rookie Baker continues his rapid emergence, he will do so with coach Damien Hardwick using Bulldogs sweeper Daniel as a direct inspiration.
Daniel, the AFL’s smallest player at 168cm, continued his scintillating form against Fremantle with a performance with his customary poise and precision.
He darted around in defence winning nine of his 30 possessions from intercepts — a team-high total — gaining 511 metres and eight rebound 50s with clinical disposal (87 per cent efficiency).
They are fancy numbers, but to watch the ball fall into Daniel’s hands is to realise he will almost always retain it with superb skill further afield.
Second-year Tigers rookie Baker is a different player but just as effective for the Tigers.
He has had five score involvements in all three of his games this year, his Anzac Eve clash a beauty with 19 disposals, two goals, five tackles and five inside-50s.
His second major — effortlessly vacuuming up a tumbling half-volley then turning onto his left foot to snap a goal — was poetry in motion.
“He is another who missed a draft through his height but people looked at him and thought, “Can he play AFL?”,” Hardwick said this week.
“He has proved the doubters wrong. He has got a great role model in Caleb Daniel. He is a remarkable player and Liam Baker is very much in the same mould.
“The way (Baker) plays the game is clean at ground level, he is tough and hard around the clinches. He does a lot of the little things that we like, which is what the Richmond people value.’’
Caleb Daniel is in hot form for the Bulldogs. Picture: AAP
Richmond has successfully moved on depth players Anthony Miles, Corey Ellis, Sam Lloyd and Reece Conca but been able to play cheap-as-chips replacements who have immediately had impact.
Players like Baker and Sydney Stack have not only entrenched themselves in the side, they are on base wages of around $80,000 plus match payments.
With the second-shortest player Brent Daniels (170cm) playing every game for GWS and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (171cm) on fire, players of their stature aren’t going anywhere just yet.
FIVE SHORTEST AFL PLAYERS
168cm — Caleb Daniel (Western Bulldogs)
170cm — Brent Daniels (GWS)
171cm — Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (Essendon)
172cm — Tyson Stengle (Adelaide)
173cm — Liam Baker (Richmond)
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/liam-baker-and-caleb-daniel-show-the-little-man-still-has-a-place-in-footy/news-story/0dd4afd1b4b40f6476c39dac4fb997eb
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Baker is No. 1 at the Club in pressure acts for chasing and corralling.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-04-30/coaches-corner-liam-baker
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Trying to find a positive. I thought Baker was one of the few Tigers that at least had a dip tonight.
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Agreed
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Trying to find a positive. I thought Baker was one of the few Tigers that at least had a dip tonight.
Thought he was average
Which I suppose based on tonight's effort means he was one of our best
He actually continued our player's trend of "go on media street" play average
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Liam Baker is also shooting up the player rankings after a stellar start to the season, set for a pay rise after only signing a one-year deal last October.
Source: Herald-Sun (https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/moneyball-latest-trade-whispers-contract-news-on-james-sicily-adam-tomlinson-brandon-ellis/news-story/6814111a735255d90a65a4882d9870e3)
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For everything he brings to the table, Baker still has a lot of developing to do IMO.
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For everything he brings to the table, Baker still has a lot of developing to do IMO.
He has played 9 games mate. Of course he has more development in him.
For a kid who is 9 games in he has been fantastic IMO. Keeping a premiership player in Butler out of the side.
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Agree BT. Has done very well for a 9 gamer
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For everything he brings to the table, Baker still has a lot of developing to do IMO.
He has played 9 games mate. Of course he has more development in him.
For a kid who is 9 games in he has been fantastic IMO. Keeping a premiership player in Butler out of the side.
You have a real bent toward finding a negative don't you? The problem is, half the time it doesn't exist.
FYI, my post was in reference to the previous one from one-eyed where the Hun article was mentioned. I thought the article was a bit too ''cart before the horse''. Perhaps I should have quoted the article in my response so you could understand the context.
Yeah, he has shown heaps and I'll back in a WA boy from Lake Grace every day of the week.
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To be honest I did think you were having a crack at Baker.
If you read your post in isolation, which it was, It reads like a knock on him and an unwarranted negative imo.
If it wasn’t fair enough.
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Awesome game by bakes. Was sticking marks better than anyone on the field.
24 disposals (12 contested), 9 tackles and a goal....surely this weeks rising star nomination.....
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Awesome game by bakes. Was sticking marks better than anyone on the field.
24 disposals (12 contested), 9 tackles and a goal....surely this weeks rising star nomination.....
Yep was excellent
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Have been critical and frustrated by him the last few weeks. Especially the Freo game live
But last night was without doubt his best game for the club.
Brilliant performance
Well done young man :thumbsup
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Awesome game by bakes. Was sticking marks better than anyone on the field.
24 disposals (12 contested), 9 tackles and a goal....surely this weeks rising star nomination.....
Tough tenacious and skilful :clapping
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Have been critical and frustrated by him the last few weeks. Especially the Freo game live
But last night was without doubt his best game for the club.
Brilliant performance
Well done young man :thumbsup
Interesting. What frustrated you about Liam v Freo?
I have been pretty impressed by his game. Sure there has been a couple of errors, like when he got caught from behind when he should have taken off. Still learning in only his 9th game.
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Have been critical and frustrated by him the last few weeks. Especially the Freo game live
But last night was without doubt his best game for the club.
Brilliant performance
Well done young man :thumbsup
Interesting. What frustrated you about Liam v Freo?
I have been pretty impressed by his game. Sure there has been a couple of errors, like when he got caught from behind when he should have taken off. Still learning in only his 9th game.
I was over there so saw a couple of things that didn't show on the replay. Always say what you see live -v- what we see on the TV can be very different.
Couple of times he didn't do the team thing, e.g. defensive pressure acts, not making a contest and not handballing to bloke in a better position = bit selfish
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Have been critical and frustrated by him the last few weeks. Especially the Freo game live
But last night was without doubt his best game for the club.
Brilliant performance
Well done young man :thumbsup
Interesting. What frustrated you about Liam v Freo?
I have been pretty impressed by his game. Sure there has been a couple of errors, like when he got caught from behind when he should have taken off. Still learning in only his 9th game.
I was over there so saw a couple of things that didn't show on the replay. Always say what you see live -v- what we see on the TV can be very different.
Couple of times he didn't do the team thing, e.g. defensive pressure acts, not making a contest and not handballing to bloke in a better position = bit selfish
Yes not getting any of that from the small screen. Thanks WP
Baker still has some improving to do, which is good.
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Must get the nomination for the farsical rising star this week.
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Is it my imagination or is a Paul Broderick clone?
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Liam Baker took a significant step in his transition from small forward to small defender with a productive performance back at AFL level for Richmond against Port Adelaide at the MCG yesterday.
The 21-year-old, making his first senior appearance with the Tigers since Round 13, after showing good recent form across the backline in the VFL, had 20 disposals and an equal game-high nine intercepts.
Read more: https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-07-22/baker-handles-new-role-efficiently
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Am I the only one who would prefer stack down back with baker playing mid/fwd?
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Nine intercepts!
Good work Bakes! :thumbsup
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Am I the only one who would prefer stack down back with baker playing mid/fwd?
No, me too
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Am I the only one who would prefer stack down back with baker playing mid/fwd?
No, me too
Count me in too :thumbsup
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https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-07-25/rising-tiger-star-weighing-up-future-as-multiple-clubs-circle
:shh
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I'm OK with this but it's time we start getting value for these players leaving via draft picks. Not just giving them away like we did with A Miles.
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I'm OK with this but it's time we start getting value for these players leaving via draft picks. Not just giving them away like we did with A Miles.
Miles was unofficially part of the Lynch deal.
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He's still only rookie listed so I'm not sure we have that much bargaining power if any..... :shh
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https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-07-25/rising-tiger-star-weighing-up-future-as-multiple-clubs-circle
:shh
His position could also come under pressure this week, with Josh Caddy and Kamdyn McIntosh among the potential inclusions for Friday night's blockbuster clash with Collingwood at the MCG.
Well, Bakes has kept his spot in the team.
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Bloke is a gun. Need to retain him IMO...
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Wants to play more senior footy. If you're good enough Bakes, you will :shh
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Wants to play more senior footy. If you're good enough Bakes, you will :shh
And you’ll play in a team that’s contending for a flag
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If they let this kid go I’ll spew.
He is a very exciting kid that has come from a long way back.
He is a natural footballer that knows how to find the footy.
His upside is huge IMO.
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I honestly can’t see Baker going anywhere. I certainly understand the desire to play more AFL footy but I’d say he is looking for a 3 year deal rather than 2.
He has shown a lot in the games he has played, but he is not a permanent AFL fixture just yet. His management are surely aware that he is playing in a very good team that suits him perfectly.
If he leaves I reckon he will be a Des Hedland MK II. Reasonable player who looked great when he had a great team around him.
If he goes to the wrong team, i’d wager his career is done in 3 years. If he stays and continues to develop, he is a 10 year prospect, not necessarily with us.
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Never liked Baker & Higgins playing the same side but that was with them both playing similar roles , if Baker moves to defence it might be different... having said all that, would rather keep Baker and trade Short Steps instead... :shh
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VFL is his natural RFC level;
a) too small as AFL level midfielder
b) too slow as rotational AFL mid,
c) too right sided & predictable,
d) misses targets when under moderate pressure,
e) misses very gettable goals when under little pressure
f) Andrew Raines MK2
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^rubbish
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Oh please, the kids is a gun. Hard as nails and incredibly good hands for a small fella. Finds the sticks well enough. Lots of upside .
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Under pressure is when he shines, he wins ball in tight and gets it out to advantage, but yeah he hasn't been a goal kicker, he is pretty raw, first year right?
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I think he's 2nd year? First proper run of games though...
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https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-08-02/liam-baker-signs-on
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This is excellent news! Very happy
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Does anyone know how this works?
He is a rookie.
Does the 2 years mean he stays a rookie or does it mean automatic promotion to senior list?
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Does anyone know how this works?
He is a rookie.
Does the 2 years mean he stays a rookie or does it mean automatic promotion to senior list?
I could be wrong but aren't the AFL abolishing rookie lists?
Each club will just have one list of 44 or whatever players?
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Really awesome news!
Love this kid.
And the more of these kids we sign the less chance Bellis gets another contract.
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https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/2019-08-14/baker-on-embracing-his-new-role
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The 21-year-old from Western Australia is thriving after being moved during this season from the forward line into defence.
He is averaging 17.1 disposals, 4.1 intercepts, 4.0 intercepts, 3.4 tackles, 3.3 marks and 242.9 metres gained per match in the 17 games he’s played at senior level.
Among 2019 AFL rising star contenders, he is ranked seventh for intercepts, ninth for total disposals and ninth for tackles.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-09-16/cotchin-commends-baker
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Not sure theres a long term spot for him as a permanent defender. Personally prefer Stack and what i have seen of Eggmolesse - Smith i think he will be better.
Next yr the backline will have the 4 stalwarts in Rance, Astbury, Grimes and Vlastuin. Most likely like it or not having just won an A/A jumper Houli will be the rebounding small. Theres just one spot and id say the incumbent Broad has first dibs on it.
atm the spot is between a shedload of Smaller types and a few Mediums.
Those others in contention if they are still here are.
Stack, Baker, Ellis, Short,DES, All smalls
Broad a tall defender and Pickett, Menadue, Markov all mediums.
Imo while he has a real go i dont think he has enough polish is a bit on the slow side and is just too small to play as a defender.
A lot of these blokes will have to learn to play other roles to warrant games and if they cant will have to be delisted or traded out.
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Not sure theres a long term spot for him as a permanent defender. Personally prefer Stack and what i have seen of Eggmolesse - Smith i think he will be better.
Next yr the backline will have the 4 stalwarts in Rance, Astbury, Grimes and Vlastuin. Most likely like it or not having just won an A/A jumper Houli will be the rebounding small. Theres just one spot and id say the incumbent Broad has first dibs on it.
atm the spot is between a shedload of Smaller types and a few Mediums.
Those others in contention if they are still here are.
Stack, Baker, Ellis, Short,DES, All smalls
Broad a tall defender and Pickett, Menadue, Markov all mediums.
Imo while he has a real go i dont think he has enough polish is a bit on the slow side and is just too small to play as a defender.
A lot of these blokes will have to learn to play other roles to warrant games and if they cant will have to be delisted or traded out.
I am all in on DES - Think he'll be a player
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Liam's dream: From Pingaring, WA to a prelim in front of 95,000
Jennifer Phelan
afl.com.au
Sep 18, 2019
LIAM Baker has found his feet in Richmond's best 22, and the young Tiger has a string of sliding doors moments to thank for a mid-season shift to the backline that made it happen.
The 21-year-old, who was rookied as a small forward/midfielder at the end of 2017, found himself in the VFL after the bye when a run of quiet games coincided with a host of experienced heads overcoming injuries.
But it took a mid-game injury to a VFL teammate for coach Craig McRae to send Baker to defence and it's a position that has proved more natural than anyone expected.
"It's surprised me a bit," Baker told AFL.com.au this week.
"'Dimma' [Damien Hardwick] mentioned it and then I was excited to do it but I didn't really know how it was going to happen.
"It worked out well, they liked what they saw and I've been in as a defender since and getting more comfortable as the weeks go by.
"This is probably the most I've enjoyed and the most comfortable I've felt at AFL level."
The move suited Baker's game so well, he was recalled to the AFL team in round 18 as a defender.
Since then, he's been learning from the vocal and experienced Tigers' tight-knit backline group who "did half the job" for him when he first came in.
"Dimma's real big on changing things up and playing multiple roles," Baker said.
"He sees that as my strength, that I can do different roles and hopefully down the track I can be like a Shane Edwards-type where I can go everywhere.
"You can see a lot from back there. I've never had so much joy over watching the other forwards kick goals.
"It's amazing how your mindset changes. Even when I was kicking them, I wasn't enjoying them as much as I am watching the other boys do it."
Such is the optimism with Baker's newfound versatility, he signed a two-year contract extension last month in a move that demonstrated commitment runs both ways.
The Tigers like what they see with the young speedster, and in turn, Baker is just as happy to stay despite continuing pangs to return to his native Western Australia.
He misses "home home"; as in not just WA, but his family wheat and sheep farm in Pingaring, three and a half hours outside Perth, where he spends most of his holidays.
"As I get older, the more I'm missing it," he said.
"But it is what it is, I always wanted to play footy in Melbourne and I've got to take that opportunity while I can."
That opportunity will likely afford him the biggest audience he's ever played in front of this Friday night when the Tigers take on Geelong in the preliminary final.
It's a long way from where he was 12 months ago when he didn't figure in September at all and missed one of the Tigers' two VFL finals because of suspension.
"I was a bit spewing about the week off because I just wanted to get into it," he said.
"It's such an exciting time of the year and we'll prepare the way we always do and hopefully the crowd get behind us and it should be an exciting night."
https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-09-17/liams-dream-from-pingaring-wa-to-a-prelim-in-front-of-95000
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The Tiger cub who ‘can’t stop smiling’
Sam Landsberger
Herald Sun
20 September 2019
Liam Baker grabbed a dish cloth and started scrubbing.
But the footballer with clean hands on the field struggled to perform at the sink.
With clean-freak housemate Jayden Short observing, Baker was deemed unfit to wash the dishes.
“He runs a tight ship with keeping the house clean, which I was bad at — but I’m getting better,” Baker said.
“What was messy? Everything! I was a grub, and I probably would still be if it wasn’t for Shorty.”
The Northcote property has suddenly become a crowded house. Six weeks ago premiership forward Dan Butler and his girlfriend, Sarah, moved in.
Does Baker, 21, have a girlfriend?
“I’m single mate — put that one in there as well,” he said.
The cramped abode is a far cry from the 10,000 acres Baker grew up on at the family’s wheat and sheep farm in Pingaring.
The town lies about 50km north of Lake Grace, which Nat Fyfe single-handedly put on the map.
Baker is the small boy from the tiniest of towns, with Pingaring’s population listed at 76 people (15 families) in the 2016 census.
Baker misses the farm “big time”. He wants to return after footy.
With Baker’s Tigers polo at home, he looked more like the kids selling records rather than a bloke preparing to play in front of 95,000 in tonight’s preliminary final.
So, who is this little punk that’s muscled in on the best team’s best 22?
“He’s just a tip-rat,” teammate Shane Edwards said.
“You can just tell by his haircut — you don’t know what’s going on or what he thinks. He’s just a different kind of person.”
If you wander past Baker’s cluttered bedroom and into the courtyard you’ll find the makeshift defender’s makeshift barber shop.
Every now and then Baker takes a pair of cordless clippers outside and tidies up his mini-mullet.
“I do it myself and what I think looks good, no one else thinks looks good,” Baker said.
“I’ve had it for about three years now. I don’t grow it too long, I just sort of play around with it.
“I had it for a bit at school, but not for too long. I didn’t get away with it.”
Baker’s school fight to keep his flap of hair goes to the heart of his football story.
It hasn’t come easy, and it’s not hard to see why.
At just 173cm Baker looks up to almost every player in the AFL.
Playing as a forward alongside Liam Ryan in Subiaco’s 2017 grand final side, he was snapped up by the Tigers in the 2018 rookie draft and then in a shock Round 18 move this year was sent to the Tigers backline.
“I never really thought I was a good defender, but it came naturally reading the ball and trying to be physical with my opponent first,” Baker said.
Edwards reckons it was a “no-brainer”.
“He’s so good at ground balls and so good below his knees and really courageous in the air,” Edwards said.
“It just seems like a match made in heaven.”
So, which small forwards has Baker played on?
“I can’t even name them,” he said.
“You play on five or six blokes and I often get a resting midfielder.”
He’s right.
Baker spent 45 minutes on West Coast’s Jack Petruccelle in Round 22, collecting nine disposals to the Eagle speedster’s three touches and no goals, in the only lengthy duel of his defensive career.
Baker might be behind the ball, but he is more of a starter than a stopper.
He is there to rebound and create, fitting into Richmond’s aggressive back six.
Forward pressure was the hallmark of the 2017 flag but coach Damien Hardwick’s hopes are now built around ball movement from the back.
Baker is averaging 16 disposals, seven intercept possessions and a healthy three score involvements as a backman.
In that time he has endeared himself to Tiger fans.
Remember in Round 23 when he stood under a hospital handpass from Bachar Houli and was hurtled into the MCG turf by Dayne Zorko?
Baker was close to crying on the inside, but got up laughing.
“I sort of like getting a nice hit like that,” he said.
“As long as it doesn’t hurt too much, which it did a bit but I pretended it didn’t — I didn’t want Zorko to think I was in pain.”
Inside the Tigers and he’s as popular as prawns at a buffet.
“He’s just a funny guy,” Edwards said.
“He’s smiling non-stop, he’s always got some cheeky look on his face. You don’t know if it’s guilt or he’s gotten up to something just before you’ve seen him.
“He brightens the place up so much. He walks into a room and all of a sudden everyone’s either laughing or they’re excited that he’s in there.”
Captain Trent Cotchin said: “For a little, little man he’s got a big heart”.
Coach Damien Hardwick penned Baker a letter for his first game, in a week where he gave every player a vinyl record.
“Mine was by Eminem,” Baker said, with Hardwick feeling that if Baker had one shot, one opportunity, to seize everything he ever wanted, he would capture it, and not let it slip.
“It was a reference to the way he sees me, which was pretty good,” Baker said.
“I’ve still got that stashed away and I’ll have that forever.
“It’s in my room. I’ll get it back home to Mum and Dad’s place one day so I don’t lose it.”
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-defender-liam-bakers-journey-from-country-wa-to-the-bigtime/news-story/e4c3f74590754a6e9561063c730bd4be
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Star!
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Very good second half....and by jingo it needed to be.. :shh
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He's a very good player, and for a guy who has played 5-10 games in our backline even more so.
Effort and balls in spades.
Yeah he was out marked by Henderson etc but hey let's not let something like height get in the way of a good whipping...
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Was very good even though Geelong tried to exploit his size which worked for much of the game.
But credit to him baker don’t drop his head but continued to fight and attack all game.
I’d rather see him play on a wing or half forward than off the backline.
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Liam Baker – 6
Buzzed around in the defensive half of the ground and split the honours with Gryan Miers in an engrossing individual battle. Won some important contests and provided vital support to his key defenders.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-09-20/every-tiger-rated-from-the-preliminary-final
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Love this kids. Always tries and never gives up
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Liam Baker – 6
Was busy at half-back and clean with most of his 12 disposals. Spent time on speedster Brent Daniels and even had moments on Toby Greene. Helped supply plenty of overlap run.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-09-28/player-ratings-richmond
LIAM BAKER 5
Baked a couple of GWS opponents with his speed off half-back. Didn’t have huge disposal numbers, but played his role.
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/afl-grand-final-player-ratings-dustin-martin-and-bachar-houli-shine-toby-green-phil-davis-flop/news-story/3b13f40fe020027c0e71ae275f356ff2
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Tuff as nails growed in that role what a story missed out on the draft from rookie to a flag.
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Our rookie drafting has been extraordinary when you look at who we have picked up.
I love this kid and have backed him all along. He's one tough MF.
Initially preferred him as a forward but he's improving really well as a defender and really gives us a bit of a competitive edge down there. I suspect he might have already surpassed Shorty as a defender (who should be looking over his shoulder @ Stack / Pickett etc)
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Tiger's isolation easy in the most isolated part of Australia
Michael Gleeson
The Age
5 April 2020
For Liam Baker, self-isolating is easy. The Richmond defender has spent a lifetime knowing nothing else.
When you come from the one of the most isolated places in Australia, being isolated is a way of life not an incursion.
Baker comes from Pingaring, a pinprick on the map in southern Western Australia. It sits in the middle of an empty square of flat dry farmland between Perth and Esperance in two corners and Albany and Kalgoorlie in the other two.
No one just happens through Pingaring, you have to want to go there. It is barely big enough to be a town. It's just a general store, a post office and a supply shop or two for the farmers.
The region’s claim to fame, other now than Baker, is that Nat Fyfe lived in nearby Lake Grace. That’s about an hour's drive away, give or take.
"We are in the middle of WA. There’s not much here," Baker said.
"I couldn’t tell you how many people live here. Wouldn't be a hundred. I think you can count the families on one hand.
"On the Sunday morning we were told footy was off and on that arvo I was on a flight back. I don't have too many family ties to Melbourne, so it was much easier to be home.
"I am used to isolation. It's just the family here, my mum and dad. One of my sisters is in Perth and the other one is about to have a baby. She lives on a farm about an hour away."
The family has 10,000 acres running sheep and wheat. How many sheep?
"I couldn’t tell you. It used to be four or five thousand, I'm not sure how many now," Baker said.
"I have always loved the sheep work. As a kid that was always my favourite, more than the wheat."
Baker blends his days now between helping his dad on the farm, ripping around on quad bikes and the tractors working with the sheep, and doing his footy training.
He has borrowed weights from the local footy club and set up a gym in the shearing shed. A barbell hangs from a forklift, dumbells sit below the shearing machine next to the sheep chutes.
The running is the hard bit. The tracks are dry and hard; grass is just a Punt Road memory.
"It's pretty hard on the body but it's better than nothing," he said.
"It's dry and hot so the running is hard.
"It's what I did in the off season to keep fit when I came home and I came back in good shape from that, so it is keeping me fit."
The family barely needs to go into town, so isolation restrictions don't really apply. The alternative was staying in Melbourne and getting cabin fever in the Northcote house he shares with Jayden Short.
"I love it out here," he said.
"I have a lot better situation than other people, so I can't complain."
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tiger-s-isolation-easy-in-the-most-isolated-part-of-australia-20200405-p54h9h.html
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Watching last years GF, he was pretty influential and in my mind and underrated by commentators etc, but saying “with just 12 disposals...”
Any comments?
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Liam was showing signs of going to another level through the preseason and then against Carlton. Cannot knock his attack on the ball and he created a number of chances in round 1.
Looking the goods
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I have said it before, this kid will be a star.
He is a no fuss, straight at it, natural footballer.
Watching him play going forward compared to Bellis is a good thing.
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Liam Baker driving more than 3000km to return to Melbourne
LIAM BAKER'S JOURNEY BACK TO MELBOURNE.
START: PINGARING, WESTERN AUSTRALIA. 333km east of Perth. Population: 76 (2016 census).
FINISH: MELBOURNE.
Paywall: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-premiership-defender-liam-baker-driving-more-than-3000km-to-return-to-melbourne/news-story/6fb1824e180261181cfba013ce9a9302
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Liam Baker - The Sunday Footy Forum
ABC Radio
Sunday 7 June 2020
Richmond premiership defender Liam Baker joined Clint Wheeldon, Mark Duffield and Ben Cameron on the Sunday Footy Forum to chat about his journey from country WA to a WAFL grand final and then to the Tigers rookie list before winning an AFL premiership in 2019. Baker talked about the long drive back to Punt Road after returning home during the COVID-19 shutdown, his excitement ahead of Thursday's clash with Collingwood, why Dustin Martin ruins drills at training with his freakish skills and how he and his fellow defenders have been trying to do a 'Marlion Pickett'.
Listen here: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/grandstand/liam-baker/12330804
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Astbury's view of Baker:
Tough little bugger. Best attribute is he has the cleanest hands with the footy.
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And a majestic mullett
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Cannot doubt this man's endeavour.
Genuinely love having him and the other WA prick Broad down back.
Two hard blokes you know will never squib it.
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One of our best tonight. Was so clean with the footy!
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Just a natural footy player.Gez we have done well from wafl Baker,Broad and Pickett like a gold mine.
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Love watching him play. He was involved in a play on the wing where he took on a dogs player too the mark and kept running
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This guy was panned a lot last year for no good reason!
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Star!
Just good to watch too.
An old fashion type of player.
He and Short give us heaps of run and rebound from defence once the ball hits the ground. (As well as Egg and the moment)
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Top disposal getter and 2nd most metres gained tonight. All clean too. Great game from Bakes :clapping.
26 disposals (18k, 8h, 7c, 18u, 74% eff.)
6 marks
8 intercepts
580m gained
7 score involvements
1 tackle
1 in50
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Best game
That's it really
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Not a single fumble
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So clean at ground level.
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Best game
That's it really
Agree. Always tries his guts out. Was all class tonight.
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Liam Baker - The Vacuum ... sucks everything up and it’s all cleaned up ...
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Liam Baker - The Vacuum ... sucks everything up and it’s all cleaned up ...
Let’s call him bakkaker
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Have had me doubts but went to another level tonight...hope he can maintain the trajectory...good on the little tacker.... :shh
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BOG last night with Bolton a close second.
Baker has come a long way quickly...
A fair few didn’t even have him in our best 22 at the start of the year??
In fact most from memory.
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Bakes is having a very good season. Stood up again last night. Now entrenched in our back six and would even be pushing for a top 5 B&F finish IMV.
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Become a very good player. Well done to him.
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Unbelievable again last night.
He is putting together a very good year.
Top 5 or 6 in the B&F maybe??
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Jet
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The Vacuum - Baker cleans everything up!
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He’s a genuine star
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Big balls this kid. No trouble going back with the flight
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Hard little bastard
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I'm really loving everything this bloke brings. Hard & tough but also skilled, a fast thinker too, makes good decisions. Not afraid to take on the game, makes me feel comfortable when he has the pill & goes across goals .... :whistle
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Will again put my hand up and say I got it wrong about this bloke
Horribly wrong
Great player and still improving
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I'm really loving everything this bloke brings. Hard & tough but also skilled, a fast thinker too, makes good decisions. Not afraid to take on the game, makes me feel comfortable when he has the pill & goes across goals .... :whistle
This ^
The Vacuum - Baker cleans everything up!
I like it :thumbsup
Maybe we call him Hoover or Dyson
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I'm really loving everything this bloke brings. Hard & tough but also skilled, a fast thinker too, makes good decisions. Not afraid to take on the game, makes me feel comfortable when he has the pill & goes across goals .... :whistle
This ^
The Vacuum - Baker cleans everything up!
I like it :thumbsup
Maybe we call him Hoover or Dyson
No need to insult the bloke.... :thumbsdown
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JR loves him
I love him
Stuff he’s good
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He doesn't get much love from the commentators compared to Balta and Bolton, but this guy is so important for us. Cool, calm, fearless and hard as a cats head.
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Goes back with the flight vs Hawkins.
Goes back with the flight vs Dixon.
I mean seriously is there a player in the AFL with more kahunas?
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He doesn't get much love from the commentators compared to Balta and Bolton, but this guy is so important for us. Cool, calm, fearless and hard as a cats head.
Agree
I reckon he is our most improved player this year and there is a lot of competition for thst accolade this year
He has to be minimum top 8 in our B&F, maybe top 5
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Bolton and Balta are in the running for MIP
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Baker is an amazing player- so clean.
If he was 6.2 and played as a mid he would be considered as one of the best in the comp. Our recruiting staff are absolutely brilliant!!
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If he was even just 2-3 inches taller he'd be virtually unstoppable... :shh
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Richmond's Liam Baker has known nothing but success and he's desperate for it to continue.
Paywall: https://thewest.com.au/sport/richmond-tigers/afl-finals-richmonds-liam-baker-has-known-nothing-but-success-and-hes-desperate-for-it-to-continue-ng-b881680995z
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Liam Baker
Kicked a ripping goal but apart from that was largely unsighted. Just the eight touches and two tackles.
Rating: 5
Source: Foxsports (https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-finals-2020-richmond-player-ratings-vs-brisbane-lions-second-qualifying-final-reviews-stats-tigers-best-and-worst-players/news-story/156df1b76297836ac1f12af8237ff86c)
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Liam Baker on SEN before 4pm with Sam Edmund & Robert Murphy:
AUDIO: https://player.whooshkaa.com/episode?id=741643
--------------------------------------------------------
* Looking forward to this week. One thing about losing is it makes you keen to make up for it the following week.
* We spoke about given away 50s this week. It will cost us the game if we do that again.
* If he gave away a 50? Go straight to the bench and not wait for the runner.
* We have great belief. Just because it doesn't happen too often (going all the way after losing your first final) doesn't mean we can't do it. The Bulldogs did it (all the way from seventh). We've got to beat St Kilda first and then hopefully we can build some momentum from there.
* Butler has been in AA form (squad). They've got other good players. We'll need to play well and to our strengths to get the choccies.
* Dimma gives him a licence to play to his strengths. He goes for the (loose) ground balls while going for marks is more left to Grimes and Vlastuin.
* Lynch is unbelievable down there in the forward line flying from all directions. Bakes is sure that Lynch will show his presence from early in the game.
* We've reviewed the St Kilda game quite a bit. How they got us last time. We'll back our strengths to win it just as they will back theirs to beat us.
* Although there was only a 20k crowd at the Gabba they were going nuts so it felt the same as last year. There will be a smaller crowd this week but it will still be good to have the fans there.
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Liam Baker
He started the game on Lonie and was on fire in the first half, dashing out of the backline and using it effective by foot. Clearly one of his best games in the last month.
Rating: 8
Source: Foxsports (https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-finals-2020-richmond-player-ratings-vs-st-kilda-second-semi-final-reviews-stats-best-and-worst-players/news-story/afdeaa6b7f13cced41d21c91e03b900e)
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Liam Baker
He started the game on Lonie and was on fire in the first half, dashing out of the backline and using it effective by foot. Clearly one of his best games in the last month.
Rating: 8
Source: Foxsports (https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-finals-2020-richmond-player-ratings-vs-st-kilda-second-semi-final-reviews-stats-best-and-worst-players/news-story/afdeaa6b7f13cced41d21c91e03b900e)
:clapping
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Liam Baker
Had eight intercept possessions. Didn’t use it too well but eight of his 12 touches were contested.
Rating: 6
Source: Foxsports (https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-finals-2020-richmond-player-ratings-vs-port-adelaide-first-preliminary-final-reviews-stats-best-and-worst-players/news-story/5a240d072bb6873234eb176397899eaf)
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Liam Baker – 8
An excellent game from the hard-nut defender, throwing everything at the Cats (including an errant arm at Joel Selwood). His pressure was immense, forcing his opponents into mistakes. Worked hard both ways to finish with 14 disposals and four inside-50s
Source: AFL website (https://www.afl.com.au/news/521174/tigers-player-ratings-no-passengers-on-the-tiger-train)
Liam Baker
The dashing Tiger was lively early in the game as he showed his ability to break the lines and withstand the pressure from the Cats forwards. His efficiency moving forward was a highlight.
Rating: 6
Source: Foxsports (https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-grand-final-2020-richmond-vs-geelong-dustin-martin-player-ratings-tigers-stats-best-and-worst-players-afl-finals-gabba/news-story/2c23bd9c6b85150e3f828938dc9c0006)
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Thought he was our best, especially in the first half when it was tight.
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Excellent hands, quick, brave, and disposal is so clean.
Easily a 7 for me. One of our best for the finals series actually. True gun small defender.
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8 for sure. Was outstanding throughout game.
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Watching it again, as others have said, Baker's clean hands really stood out especially early on when most others were fumbling in the slippery conditions. Deceptively strong over the ball & well balanced for a small bloke.
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8 for sure. Was outstanding throughout game.
Agree, note Selwood pushed his face into the ground in the last quarter, a typical Selwood action IMO, if it had been Lynch on Selwood we would still be hearing about it
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Grand recollections: Liam Baker on the 2020 premiership:
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/837586/grand-recollections-liam-baker?videoId=837586&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1606093200001
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Baker is another dual premiership player via the rookie draft :thumbsup.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/839782/bargain-basement-premiership-tiger-s-beginning-liam-baker
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Jack said a few things last night about this bloke, and he was glowing with praise.
Shorty, Graham too but the biggest praise was for Baker
Sam Mitchell type.
Im not sure which recruiter found this guy but he deserves a pay rise
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FJ does it again :clapping
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FJ does it again :clapping
:ROTFL
Coffee came out my nose. :rollin
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https://www.afl.com.au/news/569052
Apparently hit a trigger last season that has seen his current contract extended for 1 year so no longer out of contract at the end of the season :thumbsup
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https://www.afl.com.au/news/569052
Apparently hit a trigger last season that has seen his current contract extended for 1 year so no longer out of contract at the end of the season :thumbsup
brilliant news thanks for the share
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Bakes on SEN Breakfast with Garry Lyon & Tim Watson:
Listen here: https://player.whooshkaa.com/episode?id=807715
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I DIDN'T THINK I HAD A DEFENSIVE BONE IN MY BODY": BAKER'S SURPRISE AT SUCCESS OF SWITCH
By Nathan John
SEN
26 March 2021
Liam Baker has been a vital cog in back-to-back Richmond premierships, but says he is still coming to grips with his positional change.
Baker was drafted at the end of 2017 as a forward who could rotate through the midfield, but midway through the 2019 season he made the switch to the backline.
The West Australian told SEN Breakfast he couldn’t have foreseen the move.
“No way. I’ve said it before, I didn’t think I had a defensive bone in my body,” Baker laughed.
“Dimma (coach Damien Hardwick) is the genius, it was his idea.
“He got me down there and it’s worked moreso than when I was in the forward line, so happy days.”
The 23-year-old identified his ground game as a factor in the switch with Hardwick having believed his willingness to get his hands dirty could suit the frenetic tempo Richmond dictate.
“He always said ‘We’ll try you at half-back somewhere along the line,’” Baker recalled.
“I didn’t really believe him, but one day I ended up back there in a VFL game, (and) a couple of weeks later I was in the AFL team.
“I’m loving it down there, it’s worked out well.”
Baker will have to adjust again this season, with the heightened pace of the game permitting backlines less time to set up.
“It’s a different game now,” he explained.
“It’s a mindset thing. We’re going to get more goals kicked on us this season than we have in previous years, so you can’t be getting too angry. You’ve just got to accept it.
“I think we're still structured well and our defence of previous years will hold up again.”
Baker last year hit a trigger in his contract for an extra season, locking him in at Tigerland until the end of 2022.
He has played 43 games since he arrived from WAFL club Subiaco, having missed just one in the Tigers’ successful premiership defence.
“I don’t want to be anywhere else, (so) I’m pretty stoked to get one more year," Baker said.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2021/03/26/i-didnt-think-i-had-a-defensive-bone-in-my-body-bakers-surprise-at-success/
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With Vlas coming back, we should be able to retain names in this high half forward role at the expense of one of the smalls. Can tackle and pressure as good as any of them and is much better at delivering it inside 50.
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Direct goal assists to Jack and Lynch, then jagged one of his own. Sensational.
Rioli and Aarts can stuff off. Rioli especially. Aarts at least tries.
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Actually think castagnas been the worst of the 3 the past couple of weeks which is a shame because he started the season really well.
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It was a case of back to the future for Baker, who started his football life at Tigerland as a forward after being recruited from Western Australia.
“I went forward there a bit in the last quarter, and it was good,” Baker told Fox Footy in a post-match interview.
“If you can play a different position, hopefully it keeps you in the team for longer . . .
“Whatever ‘Dimma’ wants me to do, I’m happy to do and try to execute as best I can.”
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/926458/baker-delivers-in-new-old-role-for-tigers
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Bakes' 50th this week :clapping.
2018 3
2019 19 ....... premiership
2020 20 ....... premiership
2021 8*
------------
Total 50* games
https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/L/Liam_Baker.html
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Certain notorious poster well known on here just called him a squib on Big Footy.... :shh
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Tigerimposter or claw or Brackets
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Well I'm not one to judge but it's definitely one bent unit... :shh
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Judge Roughneck.. :shh
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Dont mind stating his size has always been a concern for me in defense. But as a fwd half player i have no problems with him at all.
He shows the three in Rioli Castagna and Aarts up thats for sure.
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What a gun Bakes has become. Even the Geelong/Giants fan next to me said that Baker going forward added spark and won the game for us.
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Was immense tonight!
Seemed to be everywhere, so hard at the ball, few players could take a leaf out of his book!
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Reckon he and Nank would easily be top 3 in the B&F right now
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What a solider. Does whatever is required of him. Forward, back, midfield, whatever.
Cult hero
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Will say it again
I got it so wrong about this bloke
He is our rough diamond
Absolute star he has become
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Bakes has been waiting for the opportunity to play as a mid as this is where he sees his best footy. He certainly took the opportunity with both hands last night. :clapping
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🛩
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It doesn’t look like he has a wrong position does it?
Although i thought at times he could be exploited when down back because of his small stature it doesn’t seem to faze him at all. He just tries his absolute guts out no matter where he plays.
He was immense in the guts. I personally like when he plays up forward because of his work ethic.
Anyway he is becoming one of my favourite players. He epitomises our song.
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Next Gen. Zorko/Turbo Charged Diesel...... :shh
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Each year he is getting better. He has gone up another level this year. His courage and determination are fantastic.
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Rookie pick 18.
Unbelievable.
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One of my fav players had a shocker
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He doesn’t quit despite getting battered from pillar to post. A few should follow his lead.
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Has had a real shocker. Hasn't stopped trying but nothing went his way tonight.
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Tried too hard tonight....not a midfield leader yet... :shh
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Yup poor game tonight still love the way he goes about it.
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2nd game as a mid and tagged by that cheating, mouthy dog.
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2nd game as a mid and tagged by that cheating, mouthy dog.
Who shyte himself when Dusty stepped in.... :shh
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2nd game as a mid and tagged by that cheating, mouthy dog.
Who shyte himself when Dusty stepped in.... :shh
:lol
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Bakes on SEN:
Richmond's 2021 Dreamtime match will be one like no other, and Liam Baker is relishing the opportunity to play the significant game in his home state.
Speaking to SEN on Friday morning, the 23-year-old from Pingaring said he was "pretty excited" when he first heard the annual blockbuster against Essendon was being moved to Western Australia.
"All my immediate family are coming up, and aunties, uncles and cousins too...it’s exciting for them," the Tiger utility said.
"We might not ever get another Dreamtime game at Optus Stadium so we’re going to be living it up."
Baker joins fellow West Australian Tigers Shai Bolton, Marlion Pickett, Kamdyn McIntosh and Nathan Broad in Richmond's line-up for Saturday night's clash, which is set to be played in front of a full house of 60,000 spectators.
The Dreamtime game will be crucial for both sides, with the winner to take its place inside the competition’s top eight ahead of the mid-season bye.
"(Essendon’s) going really well, they had a great win last week," Baker said.
"It'll be a tough challenge but (on) mutual ground. Hopefully it’s a good game for the fans and for WA footy."
Baker was optimistic about how the Tigers were building towards the business end of the season, as they have done the previous few years.
"There’s been a lot of commentary about what we’ve done over the last few years...we’ll certainly have a crack at (the second half of the season)," Baker said.
"We believe we can, all we need to do is get on a good run over the last eight to 10 weeks of the season and hopefully it can turn our way again."
As a fellow West Australia rookie success story, Baker was thrilled with Richmond’s Mid-Season Draft selection, 25-year-old Matthew Parker from South Fremantle.
"Everyone’s seen his highlights reel, it’s one of the best ones going around, so hopefully we can get him out there for us taking a few hangers and kicking a few goals," Baker said.
"It’s good what our recruiters do, it doesn’t no matter how old (players) are or where they’ve been previously, they’re willing to pick them based on if they think they can play the game.
"It’s exciting for us, exciting for the club and I’m sure he’s wrapt."
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/951752/dreamtime-game-a-huge-occasion-for-wa-says-baker
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Audio of Baker's SEN interview: https://player.whooshkaa.com/episode?id=836203
------------------------------------
The Tigers are teetering on the edge of the eight at 6-5, but have already cleared meetings with Port Adelaide, Melbourne, the Western Bulldogs, Geelong and Brisbane, and the draw opens up after the bye.
“We had a bit of a rough start, we played some good footy and we played some bad footy, but we also played a lot of the good teams,” Baker explained.
Baker noted the commentary around the Tigers’ season paralleling rocky starts and stretches before storming to back-to-back premierships in 2019 and 2020.
Richmond were 7-6 going into their break in 2019, while they won just one of their opening four games in 2020.
“It doesn’t mean it’s going to happen again, (but) we can certainly have a crack at it,” he went on.
“All we need to do is get on a good run over the last eight to ten weeks of the season, and hopefully it starts to turn our way.”
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Been pretty ordinary since that midfield breakout game v GWS.... :shh
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I like him better up forward or even the odd occasion in the guts or on a wing.
Yes I know he plays there a lot but I’m not a fan of him in defence can get found out because of his size. If I was an opposition coach that would definitely be a plan to try to exploit him because of his size.
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Either get Baker out of the stuffing backline or stuffing drop him.... :thumbsdown
:shh
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Terrible tonight
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Last month been not himself.
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Play him on a wing! Or even at half forward we can get rid of Rioli or Castagna to make room for him.
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Been found out a fair bit this year. He has his limitations but you cant fault his endevour.
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Liam Baker – Mid/Wing/Fwd
The role change: From 2% Mid/Wing/Fwd in 2020 to 44% in 2021
AFL Rating Points Improvement: -0.4
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-news-2021-role-changes-most-improved-players-champion-data-analysis-player-ratings-supercoach-news/news-story/1ffc8ec71abfe1958186ce42c2a62700
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Either get Baker out of the stuffing backline or stuffing drop him.... :thumbsdown
:shh
:shh :shh :banghead
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So he was playing great as a mid so move him out- :wallywink
Needs to go back to playing mid/forward. We continually get smashed in the middle but refuse to play guys who are mids. Graham is another.
Come on Dimma!
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Sub out Ryan, get Mansell on & move him up the ground..... :shh
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Gunna go back to what i have always said. A bit of atiger has areal dip but for a little bloke and i mean a real little bloke he lacks class and i know ive said it in the past SIZE.
Yes i know hes a flag favorite but fmd flag or no flag hes aalways been a battler and someone like a few otherswe should have always been looking to do better than,
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Sub out Ryan, get Mansell on & move him up the ground..... :shh
Sub him out then get him on?
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Bakes fined by the MRO:
Charge Laid:
Liam Baker, Richmond, has been charged with Misconduct against Jeremy Sharp, Gold Coast SUNS, during the third quarter of the Round 16 match between the Gold Coast SUNS and Richmond, played at Marvel Stadium on Thursday, July 1, 2021.
In summary, he can accept a $1000 sanction with an early plea.
Based on the available evidence, the incident was assessed as Misconduct. The incident was classified as a $1500 sanction as a first offence. The player can accept a $1000 sanction with an early plea.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/640401/match-review-feisty-tiger-charged-with-misconduct
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Take the fine and hit him harder next time.
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Trade him to Freo as part of the Cerra deal.
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Baker the defender I'd trade in a heartbeat, Baker the mid/forward I'd probably prefer to keep.... :shh
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Baker the defender I'd trade in a heartbeat, Baker the mid/forward I'd probably prefer to keep.... :shh
I see this too and it’s been my concern since he first went to defence as he had coaches licking their lips to isolate him with a speedy tall (not hard to do)
He’s a very good player but must better utilised on a wing or up forward. I’d prefer to see him up as a high half forward. I’m not sure what the coaches are thinking to be honest.
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Fire-starter Liam Baker sent to half-forward, back to attack where he thrived as a teenager.
https://twitter.com/SamLandsberger/status/1415977999971676162
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Bakes had a very good start to the season but (and this may be harsh) in recent weeks his decision making has fallen away. It's been reflective of the team as a whole. Three times in the last quarter yesterday Bakes handballed off to a teammate under the hammer causing a turnover :scream. There was also that kick inside 50 under no pressure where Jack was 1-on-1 with Ryan and Bakes kicked it to Jack's left side (to Ryan's advantage) rather than Jack's open space to his right.
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Bakes had a very good start to the season but (and this may be harsh) in recent weeks his decision making has fallen away. It's been reflective of the team as a whole. Three times in the last quarter yesterday Bakes handballed off to a teammate under the hammer causing a turnover :scream. There was also that kick inside 50 under no pressure where Jack was 1-on-1 with Ryan and Bakes kicked it to Jack's left side (to Ryan's advantage) rather than Jack's open space to his right.
Decision making and disposal efficiency have been poor more or less since that break out game against the giants.
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TBH, I don’t see how you can single Baker out of a team that were in total panic mode.
IMO Baker punches well above his weight, there are plenty of others I would be pointing out before getting to Baker.
But it is a forum and we are all entitled to our opinion, so read and noted.
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He has a real crack and tries to keep the momentum up. Big balls still. Can't knock him myself.
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Some poor decisions & disposal at the end that were probably down to fatigue as much as anything but otherwise was easily in our top 5 on the day.... :shh
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Love bakes. I guess I just thought after that giants game that he would really push on and take his game to the next level which hasn’t been the case. That’s all I was trying to say.
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TK, entire team has gone downhill since then. I guess despite his talent and heart it's difficult for a guy like Baker to shine when the rest of them are playing poo.
He would also benefit from settling in one position, similar to Graham. He gets moved around too much.
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TK, entire team has gone downhill since then. I guess despite his talent and heart it's difficult for a guy like Baker to shine when the rest of them are playing poo.
He would also benefit from settling in one position, similar to Graham. He gets moved around too much.
Fair point
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After criticising him during the week, it was great to see Bakes return to form tonight. His ball use and decision making was much better at both ends of the ground. He had a very good game.
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Bit fumbly and some of his handballs were awful but otherwise good... :shh
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Nick Riewoldt praised Baker for twice as the more senior player unselfishly giving the ball to MRJ so the first gamer got his hands on the footy. The first time was when Maurice jnr ran down the Roos player. Baker could have taken the advantage but stopped to give the ball back to Maurice. The second time was the handball offload to Maurice for his first goal.
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Liam Baker's massive second half vs North:
AFL player rating 15.0
Disposals 15
Score involvements 8
Score assists 2
Goals 2
So every second disposal of Baker's ended up in a score to us.
That return on the night would've put him in the top 10 forwards in the AFL.
Source: HeraldSun. (https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/purefooty/pure-footy-david-king-and-daniel-hoyne-lift-lid-on-afl-trends-stats-after-round-21/news-story/b51c1e39bb9b203d2fd25dec0cb23c4e)
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Bakes finished 3rd in the Most Courageous award at the AFLPA awards last night.
Most Courageous
Jack Steele (186)
Tom Doedee (118)
Liam Baker (61)
Liam Jones (55)
Tom Jonas (40)
https://www.afl.com.au/news/673462/superstar-dog-s-historic-aflpa-double-first-year-swan-dominates
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Just quietly a track watcher says this popular Tiger is putting together a mighty fine preseason
In the mids group a lil' birdie informs me
https://twitter.com/Jonesracing82/status/1482256424172326913
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Liam Baker starred in Richmond’s practice match win against Hawthorn at Devonport last Saturday with 26 disposals, 13 contested possessions, six marks, five intercepts, four tackles, two goals and 12 score involvements.
“I’m just trying to knuckle down on that forward role that I played a few years ago,” Baker said post-game.
“There’s been some changes up forward this year.
“We’ve been mixing it up a bit, which has been exciting for us. So, just trying to get that right.
“It’s been good, flipping through there with different guys.”
Richmond assistant coach Adam Kingsley paid tribute to Baker in his press conference following the Devonport practice match.
“He’s been a good player at AFL level already, but he was outstanding [Saturday]. So, hopefully he can go another step and take us further,” Kingsley said.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1073411/baker-on-a-roll-forward
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Stuffing steal this guy was. A real diamond in the poop.
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Dimma's post-game comments about Bakes:
"Baker is one of those guys you wish you had 5 more of given the way he plays the game. Not just the one where he split his head open but there was one play where he tapped the ball on when he was outnumbered 1-vs-2. We're fortunate he got overlooked in a couple of drafts. He's become such an important player for us both on and off the field. He makes the hard look easy. Enjoyed his game tonight."
Source: RFC website (https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/1100121/round-4-hardwick-post-match)
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Not only was it courageous but Baker's spoil/intercept from which Lynch then goaled occurred at a critical point of the game. We came out after half-time still half asleep and the Dogs were on top in general play. Seeing Baker cop that whack for the good of the team woke his teammates back up. We regained control of the match from that moment and didn't look back.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FP5_SIdagAAvVtW?format=jpg&name=large)(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FP5_SIdagAMk7mL?format=jpg&name=large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FP5_SIzaIAACCyU?format=jpg&name=large)(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FP5_SJUaIAEiF0v?format=jpg&name=large)
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Love seeing his mates flock to him like that
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Liam Baker has recorded 14 intercept possessions in today's match, six more than any other player on the ground, from which he has launched two of the Tigers nine goals from this source.
https://www.afl.com.au/afl/matches/3882#timeline
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UFBLVABL :bow :bow
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He was grateful today.
One of our best
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Brilliant game from Bakes :clapping. The backline suits him more than the forward line.
30 disposals (14k, 16h, 9c, 26u, 90% eff.)
5 marks
6 tackles
3 clearances
3 inside 50s
9 intercepts
475 metres gained
8 score involvements
1 goal assist
86% time on ground
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If Dion wasnt BOG then Bakes was- he was awesome last night :clapping
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If Dion wasnt BOG then Bakes was- he was awesome last night :clapping
Great game
But I reckon Daniel Rioli was close to BOG as well
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If Dion wasnt BOG then Bakes was- he was awesome last night :clapping
Great game
But I reckon Daniel Rioli was close to BOG as well
Totally agree. Baker, Rioli and Dion had stand out games.
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Outrageous. What an incredible footballer he is. #LiamBaker #gotiges
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FTWW8wKUYAEeds2?format=jpg&name=900x900)
https://twitter.com/Tigers_of_Old/status/1528293719631286273
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What a great smother this was by Bakes on Heeney.
https://twitter.com/Tigers_of_Old/status/1530688134727766016
Our pocket dynamo has been in great form since moving back to defence.
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Why don't we take a smother as the first option? most player decide to hit the body when players are in the kicking motion. Would remove about 5 frees against every game as we are always late with the hit on the body and which results in a down field free. Smother like Bakes!!
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Happy to go back: The Tiger growing in belief and playing with a chip on his shoulder
Liam Baker continues to impress for Richmond. And he isn't going anywhere just yet.
By Josh Gabelich
afl.com.au
9 June 2022
LIAM Baker will return home for good one day, just not yet. Home is a tiny town called Pingaring in Western Australia, nearly 350km east of Perth, a place that only has a general store and a post office.
It is there where the Bakers own a wheat and sheep farm on more than 10,000 acres in the Wheatbelt region. And it is there where the 24-year-old will eventually settle when he is finished in the AFL.
But right now, Baker is settled at Richmond. He has become one of the first magnets Damien Hardwick puts on his board at match committee each week, establishing himself as a name in this game.
Baker has been on the road for years now. Before he was plucked out of the WAFL by Richmond at the end of 2017, Baker moved to Perth to finish school at Aquinas College and enhance his chances of being drafted.
It took longer than first hoped, but since the Tigers used pick No.18 in the 2018 NAB AFL Rookie Draft on a player who recruiters had once dismissed as too small and too slow, Baker has developed into someone who can plug a hole wherever Richmond needs.
Baker lives in Northcote with his landlord Jayden Short – the pair attract about as much attention as they would if they were in the main street of Pingaring – and has just returned from a six-day break in Sydney and Perth ahead of a crucial block of games on the road to September.
"When I first moved from Perth to the bush it was a bit of a step up, but then moving to Melbourne was another much bigger step up. I miss it a fair bit. It's just part of playing footy, I guess. It is hard to get back there during the year, but I make up for it in the off-season, which is good," Baker told AFL.com.au this week.
"There isn't too much going on out there; it's just farmland pretty much, everyone is working away flat out. It's a pretty nice part of the world when it's nice and green and the crops are on their way and the sheep have plenty of food. I love it out there. It's peaceful, a good change from the big smoke of Melbourne.
"The plan is to eventually move back. The more I've been in the city, the more I've realised how much I love it out in the bush. I love the peace and quiet. Growing up and having a family there in the future really excites me and working with Dad for hopefully many years to come."
Baker has added two premierships and two top-10 finishes in the best and fairest – he finished runner-up in the 2021 Jack Dyer Medal – to his name from 75 appearances, joining Kane Lambert, Jason Castagna, Marlion Pickett and Short as successful Tigers who got their chances as rookies after being overlooked.
But despite the success he has achieved since going the long way, Baker hasn't forgotten how it felt to be overlooked in two drafts. Even now, the 173cm utility plays with a point to prove, and always will.
"It definitely does still motivate me. Even just at times going through the draft, some of the players that were rated higher than me, I thought, 'What's going on here?' Coming across them in the AFL at the moment, there is a little bit of a chip on my shoulder," he said.
"It's just the way I am. It's the same with a lot of the other boys. The way Kane Lambert trains, Jayden Short is the same – they were both rookie picks – it was tough getting there for them as well. They are very grateful for the opportunity, just like I am. Jason Castagna fits in that as well.
"You just need one little chance. To be honest, I had belief in myself but nothing like what I needed to have. I always thought I was too small and probably not quick enough, so I bought into that. I'm glad it happened the way it did, missing out on a couple of drafts. I wouldn't change it."
Richmond has used Baker here, there and everywhere in 2022, just like it has across his career. He started as a small forward, where he had caught the eye of recruiters at Subiaco, but has settled down in defence in the past 18 months. Being thrown around would be disruptive to some players, but it isn't to Baker.
"My belief has grown year on year. Where most of the belief has come from is the belief Dimma has in me. Changing positions a bit – last year I moved around a lot – but it was a bit of a mindset change (to) 'I'm moving because Dimma needs me somewhere else'. That gave me a lot of confidence and it still gives me a lot of confidence now," he said.
Where does his future lie? Both in terms of position and football club? The Swinburne Centre is a world away from outback Australia, but it has become home. The Tigers are currently negotiating a contract extension with his manager, Jason Dover from TLA Worldwide. Baker has always pictured himself as a half-forward but is enjoying a new role at the opposite end of the ground.
"I think I'm pretty settled down back at the moment," he said. "I think I'll play out the year down there. Hopefully we are injury free for the remainder of the year. If we are, I think that’s where I will be playing. I always thought of myself as a forward, but if the team needs me down back I love playing down there. I love playing with that group of six or seven players."
It might have appeared like the dynasty had been demolished at the end of last season after the Tigers failed to return to September for the first time since they ended a 37-year premiership drought in 2017. But Baker believes there is a renewed sense of confidence that Richmond can make another deep run by the time this winter becomes spring.
"The belief is there from the group, especially from the coaches; they drive it into us. Some of our losses have been us hurting us, which has been disappointing, but if we rectify that with free kicks and 50-metre penalties and that kind of stuff, we could be sitting a lot better," he said.
"I've got confidence we can push for a top-six, hopefully top-four spot, and come September anything can happen. We've been there before; we know we can do it."
One day Baker will be back in Pingaring telling his kids about his career at Punt Road. But that can wait. Right now, he has unfinished business in the big smoke.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/776261/happy-to-go-back-the-tiger-growing-in-belief-and-playing-with-a-chip-on-his-shoulder
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TIGERS IN TALKS WITH DUAL FLAG WINNER
Josh Gabelich and Nathan Schmook
afl.com.au
9 June 2022
RICHMOND is in ongoing talks with the management of gun utility Liam Baker as it looks to lock in the West Australian beyond 2022.
The 24-year-old has emerged as a star across the past few seasons, finishing runner-up in the Jack Dyer Medal last season after playing in the 2019 and 2020 premierships.
Baker was last out of contract at the end of 2019 when he inked a two-year extension that included a trigger for a third season, which expires in October.
AFL.com.au understands that Baker is happy at Richmond and expects his future to remain at Punt Road, despite the pull of being closer to home.
Baker is from a small country town 340km east of Perth and plans on going back once his football career is over, but Pingaring is still more than three hours from Perth meaning the lure of playing for West Coast or Fremantle isn't quite the same as other Sandgropers.
The small forward-turned-defender lives with Jayden Short, who recently signed a five-year deal to remain at the Swinburne Centre until the end of 2027.
The former rookie, who was overlooked in two drafts before the Tigers plucked him out of the WAFL at the end of 2017, has played 75 games for Richmond.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/776137/suns-look-to-lock-in-star-pair-talks-ongoing-with-dual-flag-tiger
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Priority signing this one
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What a jet. BoG for mine and was instrumental in the 4th.
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Was brilliant in last quarter
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Agreed. Superb.
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First class as usual
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Barometer.
Thank goodness they moved him forward. Gibcus too.
Jack and Bolton were useless tonight. And Balta forward was terrible.
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Leave Balta back and play Gibcus forward it’s not that hard :shh
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BOG for us.
Agree Balta should clearly stay back.
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What a star Baker is
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BOG
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Claw doesn’t rate him
Or Short
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RICHMOND UTILITY LAUDED AFTER “EXTRAORDINARY” DISPLAY
By Alex Zaia
SEN
10 June 2022
Liam Baker starred in Richmond’s 12-point win over Port Adelaide on Thursday night.
When the game was in the balance, Baker rose to the occasion.
Baker was best afield with 26 disposals, nine score involvements, seven inside 50s, five clearances and a crucial final-quarter goal.
David King heaped praised on the 24-year-old utility, who comes out of contract at the end of the season.
“Baker was extraordinary last night,” King told SEN Breakfast.
“He had 26 touches, 13 in the last quarter. When the game was hot, he separated the game.
“He’s out of contract too … they won’t want to lose Liam Baker.
“I still think he’s the cleanest player in the competition below his knees.
“He is one-touch.”
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick highlighted Baker’s importance to the side post-game.
“David Teague said a really good comment, you sort of want one (Baker) on each line,” Hardwick told reporters.
“He’s just such an important player. He’s out of contract, too, so he’s not helping us.
“He’s a wonderful player. He’s a guy that you love to coach, because you wind him up and off he goes.
“His last quarter was pretty special.”
Tigers forward Jack Riewoldt echoed Hardwick’s thoughts, saying Baker’s last quarter proved the difference.
“I wish we could clone him and have three of him,” Riewoldt told SEN Tassie.
“He went forward and he was fantastic in that last quarter and was probably one of the main reasons – if not the main reason – why we came away with the four points.”
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2022/06/09/richmond-utility-lauded-after-extraordinary-display/
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Got a feeling he ain't going anywhere myself
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“BRILLIANT” TIGERS UTILITY “ONE OF THE GREAT STORIES IN AFL FOOTY”
By Seb Mottram
SEN
17 June 2022
Nathan Buckley has hailed Richmond utility Liam Baker as “one of the great stories in AFL footy”, given his development at the top level.
After being selected by the Tigers in the 2017 rookie draft, Baker has improved his versatility year-on-year and would be one of the first names on Damien Hardwick’s whiteboard.
He’s averaging 18.7 disposals in 2022 playing primarily as a backman but pushed forward in the final quarter against Port Adelaide last week to record 13 disposals and three shots on goal as the Tigers prevailed by 12 points.
“I don’t know if it’s right to fall in love with an opposition player, but I’ve always loved this bloke,” Buckley told SEN’s Whateley.
“His attitude, his fire, his intensity, he’s played forward, he’s played wing, he’s playing back now - I just think that he’s one of the great stories in AFL footy.
“His capacity to improve himself year-on-year, when you look out onto a football field and it’s AFL, this is the top level of this sport, you can see one guy who stands out above all the other guys as trying harder, like that just doesn’t make any sense but this bloke does it every week.
“And he’s in rare form at the moment, whatever the coach asks of him he gets it done and he can swing forward as a pressure forward if he needs to be, but I just think he’s brilliant.”
The Tigers can move themselves back inside the top eight with a win over Carlton on Thursday night.
Hardwick’s troops have won four of their last five games and are showing signs of potentially getting back to their best, and Buckley believes Baker has played a pivotal role.
“He’s an energiser bunny, he gets it done. He’ll position really well off those high forwards and he’ll know when to squeeze and pressure and maybe turn the ball over in their front half,” he continued.
“He’s averaged four inside 50s (a game) in the last month, that’s playing largely as a defender. Richmond has been able to play the game in their front half more often than not, they’ve scored more heavily than any other team in the competition from the front half turnovers this season which is back to the DNA of their premiership years and Baker has been a really important part of that off their back half in turning defence into offence and being really aggressive with the way he defends.”
Baker is out of contract at the end of 2022, but is in talks with the Tigers regarding an extension.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2022/06/16/brilliant-tiger-utility-one-of-the-great-stories-in-afl-footy/
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Top of the list: Where your club's No.1 contract priority stands
Riley Beveridge
afl.com.au
23 June 2022
LIAM BAKER
The dual premiership Tiger has enjoyed an outstanding season, with his versatility even prompting some to consider whether he would be in All-Australian contention. Expect that to be reflected in his next deal. Baker is determined to stay at Punt Road, but is uncontracted beyond this season after triggering a one-year extension for 2022 late last year. The former rookie is from Western Australia, but is content at Richmond and the Tigers don't foresee any issues in eventually tying him down. A three-year deal would take him through to free agency.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/784406/top-of-the-list-where-your-club-s-no-1-contract-priority-stands
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Liam Baker in West Coast Eagles’ sights amid Richmond improver’s career-best season
Paywall: https://thewest.com.au/sport/west-coast-eagles/liam-baker-in-west-coast-eagles-sights-amid-richmond-improvers-career-best-season-c-7286681
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Hope he stays. Doubt he'd want to go to a rabble like WCE
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100% staying
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100% staying
Yep he won't be leaving
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EAGLES’ ‘SIGNIFICANT INTEREST’ IN TIGER
Dual premiership Tiger Liam Baker is in the West Coast Eagles’ sights, reports The West Australian.
Baker has developed into one of Richmond’s most important players since being taken as a rookie in late 2018, playing in Richmond’s 2019 and 2020 flags before finishing runner-up in the club’s 2021 best and fairest count.
The 24-year-old last year triggered a one-year contract extension that tied him to the Tigers until at least the end of the 2022 season and, to date, hasn’t indicated he would like to move clubs.
But The West Australian reported on Friday night the Eagles had “flagged significant interest” in Baker, who’s in the midst of a career-best campaign.
The report also suggested Fremantle had some interest in Baker, but the club’s curiosity would primarily be based on “other trade outcomes”.
Baker, who was drafted out of Lake Grace in WA, has played 77 games for Richmond in five seasons on the list.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/department-of-trade/afl-trade-news-rumours-whispers-2022-liam-baker-west-coast-eagles-angus-brayshaw-geelong-cats-bobby-hill-collingwood/news-story/36adf8778f50063e94cebd0c45d08a88
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This guy is unbelievable
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Liam I am yours.
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Man possessed. Knows no fear.
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Give this man the best and fairest already.
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Superstar
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How does Baker walk straight? What with the size of his bxxxx
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Almost got us over the line
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Champion :cheers
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Dimma's post-game comments about Bakes.
Hardwick: "Liam Baker has been unbelievable and he was outstanding again. We were thinking who could go into the middle to give us a bit of a spark. He had 14 contested ball and 7 clearances. He's a wonderful player, a wonderful guy and a wonderful Richmond man. He certainly helped us get the game going more our way."
24 disposals (14k, 10h, 14c, 11u, 83.3% eff.)
4 marks
4 tackles
7 clearances ... ( 5 centre clearances )
8 inside 50s
3 intercepts
479 metres gained
4 score involvements
2 goal assists
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Give me that 24 disposal performance over all of these ‘ball magnet’ 40+ possession games any day. About as impactful as you could get and puts his body on the line every single time.
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Claw doesn’t rate him
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Claw doesn’t rate him
Lol dont not rate him but do have issues with parts of his game.
Biggest one is his size playing in defence, and i dont think anyone would argue he is a real tiger a fighter but for a little bloke lacks a bit of polish if you like. His fight and ticker have made up for this.
When we play him as a mid he has always shut me up with his performance and his fight ,really think we need to keep him there.
Has had a few ripping games and saturday was one in fact his last 4 or 5 have been good but i also think he has had his share of ordinary ones as well.
When he has been available i dont think i have ever not picked him in sides!!!! that says i do think him worthy of best 22.But hey if you criticse at all you don't rate em.
I will never ever get it. if you criticise them you somehow don't rate em if you get frustrated after they have a bad game you don't rate em despite never asking for them to be dropped.
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‘Wonderful Richmond man’: Tigers star’s career-best outing as rival’s ‘significant interest’ emerges
Ben Waterworth
Fox Sports
June 27th, 2022 12:44 pm
When Richmond coach Damien Hardwick was asked about Liam Baker’s stunning, game-changing performance against Geelong, you wondered whether there was a subtle encouragement to stick with the Tigers amid his response.
At the 11-minute mark of the second term on Saturday – with the Tigers down by 35 points and missing subbed-out midfielder Dion Prestia – the versatile Baker was moved from the backline and injected into the Tigers’ midfield group.
The results paid enormous dividends, with Baker playing a significant role in Richmond turning a near six-goal deficit into a 17-point lead early in the final term.
While the Tigers ultimately fell three points short against the Cats in the MCG epic, Baker had a career-best game, according to Champion Data’s AFL Player Ratings system, booting one goal from 24 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight inside 50s and seven clearances.
Coincidentally, the off-contract West Aussie’s game came just hours after The West Australian reported the West Coast Eagles had “flagged significant interest” in the dual premiership player.
Asked post-game how important Baker was in Richmond’s resurgence, Hardwick told reporters: “He’s been unbelievable. He was outstanding again today.
“We were trying to figure out who could go there to give us a little bit of a spark and he had 14 contested ball and seven clearances.”
Hardwick then added: “He’s a wonderful player, wonderful guy, a wonderful Richmond man. I thought he certainly helped us get the game going more our way.”
Baker, 24, last year triggered a one-year contract extension that tied him to the Tigers until at least the end of the 2022 season.
To date, Baker hasn’t indicated he would like to move clubs, but he’s in the middle of a career-best season and seemingly adding dollars to his next contract with every game he plays.
St Kilda champion Leigh Montagna said Baker’s move into the midfield and role in Richmond’s resurgence on Saturday mustn’t be “undersold”.
Speaking on Fox Footy’s First Crack, Montagna pointed out Baker had a hand in all three of the Tigers’ second-quarter goals to help kickstart the team’s comeback from a 35-point deficit.
“He got involved in all the chains and he single-handedly changed the momentum of the game,” Montagna told First Crack.
“Richmond were listless up until this point – it was 29 inside 50s to 10, they were getting smacked at clearance, smacked at centre bounce – but the moment that he went into the midfield, the whole game changed. They got a bit of spark about them, they got some life, they built some momentum and then continued on.
“To instantly have an impact, I mean that’s what Dangerfield and Martin and Petracca and the very, very best players in the competition do. He did it in the second quarter.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/richmond-tigers/afl-news-2022-liam-baker-career-best-game-vs-geelong-west-coast-eagles-trade-news-damien-hardwick-press-conference/news-story/522f92c931deb37ec21d6532fae9a357
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Anyone got a gif of when he dived head first on the wing trying to spoil the ball?
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OFF-CONTRACT TIGER EXPECTED TO STAY AMID INTEREST FROM WA CLUB
By Alex Zaia
SEN
27 June 2022
Liam Baker’s value continues to increase as Richmond looks to re-sign the in-form utility.
The dual premiership Tiger is coming out of contract and is attracting reported interest from West Coast.
Baker, who hails from Pingaring near Lake Grace in WA, is in career-best form playing in a variety of roles, establishing himself as one of Damien Hardwick’s most important players.
According to The West Australian, the Eagles are showing “significant interest” in the 24-year-old.
However, Channel 7 AFL reporter Mitch Cleary expects Baker to stay at Richmond.
“He’s got a bit of interest back from the west,” Cleary told SEN Breakfast.
“I think he will stay at Richmond. I think that talks have progressed enough.
“He’s doing himself no harm to pick up a few extra dollars after his move into the midfield.
“He’s a super player and I think Richmond will do their best to retain him.
“He should be staying in Richmond colours as I can see it.”
Baker has played 78 games and won two premierships since arriving at Punt Road as a rookie in 2017.
He finished equal second in Richmond’s best and fairest last year.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2022/06/26/off-contract-tiger-expected-to-stay-amid-interest-from-wa-club/
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Anyone got a gif of when he dived head first on the wing trying to spoil the ball?
TK, do you remember when it was in the game (Quarter & time)?
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Not off the top of my head unfortunately. Just know it was on the wing on the far side of the television broadcast, most likely in the 3rd quarter I reckon. They replayed it a couple of times afterwards.
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Not off the top of my head unfortunately. Just know it was on the wing on the far side of the television broadcast, most likely in the 3rd quarter I reckon. They replayed it a couple of times afterwards.
Ta. No promises but I'll see if I can find it.
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I know which one your taking about it’s when the Girl Myers got the ball.
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Richmond legend Matthew Richardson says Tigers must re-sign Liam Baker given incredible form
Harrison Reid
7news
29 June 2022
Richmond legend Matthew Richardson has high praise for Liam Baker.
The Tigers’ 173cm dynamo has gone relatively unheralded in his 78 games to date, but his 24 disposal, one goal, best on ground performance against the Cats at the weekend put his name up in lights - if it wasn’t already.
In what many are calling the best game of AFL football yet this year, Baker stood up with a coming of age performance that earned him nine coaches’ votes, despite the thrilling three-point loss.
Playing primarily as a small defender in the early part of the year, Baker averaged 15.3 disposals between rounds 1-8.
But since being given more midfield time in recent weeks, he’s averaging 25.5 touches a game and hasn’t recorded fewer than 22 disposals since round eight.
Richmond’s second greatest goal kicker of all time, Richardson, told 7NEWS.com.au Baker’s recent form is in the elite category.
“His past month has been as good as anyone’s,” Richardson said.
“You don’t judge it just on numbers; you judge it on impact. He’s not getting 40 touches like a Clayton Oliver – and that’s nothing against Clayton, he’s probably the best midfielder in the comp – but Baker’s having impact in games.
“He can be thrown anywhere, he’s Mr. Versatile.
“He’s been unbelievable, and he’s out of contract, so Richmond need to get him signed up.”
The Tigers have used the 24-year-old as a small forward, defender and midfielder in the early stages of his career to date, but Richardson sees him developing into a permanent on-baller in time.
“You can play him down back, he’s a premiership defender, and he can kick goals,” he told 7NEWS.com.au.
“Richmond’s got Trent Cotchin who’s in his last season or two, Prestia’s 30 in October, so they need to start playing different guys through the middle and Baker showed on the weekend how good he can be in there.
“I think moving forward, you’d probably play him in the middle, but he can have an impact anywhere, so you don’t want to take that away from him either.”
The Tigers will need their star Baker in the run home if they’re to force their way back into the top eight and make a run for a fourth premiership in six years.
https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-legend-matthew-richardson-says-tigers-must-sign-liam-baker-c-7327367
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Heart-and-soul Tigers utility Liam Baker is genuinely torn between remaining a “Richmond man” and returning to WA to kickstart a long career ...
Paywall: https://thewest.com.au/sport/west-coast-eagles/richmond-star-liam-baker-undecided-if-he-wants-to-stay-at-tigers-or-head-to-west-coast-eagles-c-7336933
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Didn’t realise he needed to “kickstart”
Who comes up with this rubbish
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Bakes is a true Richmond Man. Should he leave, it would only be for a huge contract, one nobody could resist. I remain very confident he stays :shh
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“HE’S THE COMPLETE PLAYER”: EAGLES URGED TO CHASE UNSIGNED TIGER
By Alex Zaia
SEN
29 June 2022
Former West Coast defender Brad Sheppard has urged his former club to table a long-term offer to Richmond utility Liam Baker.
Baker remains unsigned beyond 2022 and is the subject of reported interest from the Eagles.
The 24-year-old, who grew up in Pingaring near Lake Grace in WA, arrived at Punt Road from WAFL club Subiaco as a rookie in 2017.
Baker has established himself as an integral member of Richmond’s side, finishing second in the club’s best and fairest last year. He’s also a dual premiership player with the Tigers.
Sheppard says the Eagles should attempt to lure Baker back to WA by offering him a long-term contract worth up to five years.
“He’s been a very consistent player for a long period of time,” he told SEN WA Drive.
“For a bloke his size, just his appetite for the contest, provides a lot of run and dare, good on both sides of his body as well.
“I think he’s the complete player. What that means in monetary value, I’m unsure.
“I’d be throwing four or five years at him. He’s still only 24 years of age. With his consistency at AFL level, you know what you’re going to get out of him. He’s a professional player as well off the field.
“To be able to get him back and want him to leave the Richmond Football Club, he plays in front of 70,000 to 80,000 people week in week out, to try and lure him home to his home state … it would have to be a tenure of four or five years.”
Channel 7 AFL reporter Mitch Cleary recently told SEN Breakfast that he expects Baker to stay at Richmond.
Baker amassed 24 disposals, eight inside 50s, seven clearances and a goal in the Tigers’ narrow loss to Geelong last week.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2022/06/29/hes-the-complete-player-eagles-urged-to-chase-unsigned-tiger/
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Heart-and-soul Tigers utility Liam Baker is genuinely torn between remaining a “Richmond man” and returning to WA to kickstart a long career ...
Paywall: https://thewest.com.au/sport/west-coast-eagles/richmond-star-liam-baker-undecided-if-he-wants-to-stay-at-tigers-or-head-to-west-coast-eagles-c-7336933
Full article:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FWYCffLakAAmVZT?format=jpg&name=medium)
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Gunna go back to what i have always said. A bit of atiger has areal dip but for a little bloke and i mean a real little bloke he lacks class and i know ive said it in the past SIZE.
Yes i know hes a flag favorite but fmd flag or no flag hes aalways been a battler and someone like a few otherswe should have always been looking to do better than,
Let him go
Claw says he’s just a battler
We should be looking to do better than Bakes
Who needs heart and soul goers like this guy
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If he goes WCE can give us their first round pick thanks
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Richmond coach Damien Hardwick confident that Liam Baker will stay at the Tigers despite West Coast’s interest
Marc McGowan
HeraldSun
June 30, 2022
Richmond’s triple premiership coach Damien Hardwick remains confident of retaining Liam Baker despite the lure of returning home to Western Australia on more money.
Baker arrived at Punt Road via the rookie draft but has become indispensable in his jack-of-all-trades role, including a match-turning switch into the midfield last week.
Fremantle and Carlton showed interest in the 24-year-old when he was last out of contract three years ago but West Coast – the Tigers’ opponent on Sunday – is believed to be his major suitor this time around.
Hardwick jokingly sent a message to list boss Blair Hartley, saying “Pay the man, Blair” but was dead serious in how highly he values Baker.
“Blair Hartley will work his way through that but we love him, our fans love him,” Hardwick said.
“(His progression as a player) is a credit to Liam and the tenacity that this guy has got, and it’s a great example for a lot of other players.
“I’m going to be perfectly honest: when players of that stature walked in; I would say to our guys, ‘Listen, too small’, but I’ve been proven wrong.
“You look at the history of the game now and if they can play the game, they can play the game. Jayden Short, Caleb Daniel, Liam Baker – these type of players. They just play and they’re the best players to coach as well.
“It was a slight on my behalf with regard to looking at those players and we missed out on a couple, because I was a bit biased with regard to their height.
“But Liam’s a great example and a great inspiration to those who are a little bit below the height of AFL footy. But by god, he can play.”
https://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/7801582/richmond-coach-tips-baker-to-stay-a-tiger/?cs=12475
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Fabulous Baker Boy: Tigers’ pocket rocket standing tall
Michael Gleeson
The Age
July 3, 2022
Liam Baker was a short inside midfielder and every club saw 18-year-olds who were better in that role than him.
The drafts, national and rookie, came and went without his name being called.
Realising he wouldn’t make it as a midfielder he spent the year in Perth playing as a small forward.
The next national draft came and went and still “L Baker” was left unsaid.
The rookie draft followed and club by club were called upon without his name passing anyone’s lips. Many clubs, even in WA, had barely given him a look and precious few had even bothered to talk to him. Finally, at pick 18 Richmond, the club with a seeming abundance of small forwards already, called his name.
Richmond saw something in him others didn’t. Baker made an immediate mark with his bouncy energy, and West Australian farmer’s earthiness. The coach loved him.
Baker was also exceptionally clean with the ball. Aside from everything else in his football, every reason to overlook him, it is the one thing that Baker is elite at. And when you stand just 173 centimetres you have to be elite at something to distinguish yourself from the bigger, stronger players. Baker is clean.
For a time being clean was not enough. He was just paddling as a forward at Richmond and not getting anywhere.
A bit like the successful reinvention of Dan Rioli, out of necessity or frustration Baker moved to a half-back line. Those close to him felt it was the first step towards the door.
Half-way through his first VFL match a club scout mentioned to another watching the game it was a genius move. Baker was dominating. His speed, his decision-making and his ball use were opening up gaps in the field others could not find.
He came back into the senior team and began to make a mark.
Three weeks ago, against Port Adelaide, the game was slipping from Richmond in the dying moments of the last quarter until Baker intervened. This was the sort of moment normally reserved for one of the usual suspects in Dustin Martin, the big forwards, or Trent Cotchin, or more recently Shai Bolton. This day it was the fabulous Baker boy.
He delivered something in that game that he had not revealed before. He didn’t get lucky. He saw moments and he seized his chance. He moved up around the ball and won the match for the Tigers. Port were almost wrong-footed by who was wrong footing them. This sort of play was not expected from Baker. It is now.
Then last week, lost amid the understandable Tom Stewart fallout to the Geelong game was the fact that when Dion Prestia was knocked out of the game, Damien Hardwick did not hesitate to choose Baker as the player to move on the ball.
Richmond lost but Baker was superb in a performance that was not only influential in that game but influential in Richmond’s thinking of what comes next this season and beyond. The Port and now Geelong games have presented a case that demands Baker be shifted to the on-ball role he began with as a junior.
It also created an even more compelling case for him to join Bolton as the central figures of the Richmond midfield in years to come.
It thus also made an even more compelling case for Richmond to re-sign the out-of-contract player. Hardwick did not need convincing, on Thursday he called out his list manager Blair Hartley to get Baker’s signature on a new contract.
“He’s such an important player both on and off the field. He’s a superstar,” Hardwick said.
“He’s one of those guys – there’s not many of them – as soon as you see Liam you start smiling. He’s just one of those people that makes you feel great about life.”
Baker is also a rare player because he is possibly more highly rated in his own club than outside it. Well, he was until a few weeks ago.
Industry sources say Baker is worth $500,000 to $600,000 a year. Richmond will no doubt offer him a long-term deal to keep him in Melbourne. West Coast will offer a long-term deal to get him back to Perth.
Unlike Luke Jackson, also managed by Jason Dover of TLA, the football decision for Baker is clearer. Jackson might wonder if he would be a better player more quickly were he to go to a club where he will more quickly be the No. 1 ruckman, rather than work on a transition plan of gradually taking over from Max Gawn at Melbourne.
Baker doesn’t have that. Richmond have made him into a good senior AFL player. They know they can make him an elite player in multiple positions on the ground.
While Richmond hoped the signature might come quickly, Baker is in no rush as these decisions are never football ones alone.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/fabulous-baker-boy-tigers-pocket-rocket-standing-tall-20220630-p5ay16.html
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Was quiet in the first half but really stood up in the second including 2 clutch goals.
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I think today showed he is not a full-time AFL mid. Similarly Short is not cutting it either.
They can both pinch hit and do well but are not front line mids and hence are not $700k plus players
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I think today showed he is not a full-time AFL mid. Similarly Short is not cutting it either.
They can both pinch hit and do well but are not front line mids and hence are not $700k plus players
Don't agree. They were both solid. We just need to do some work on centre bounce, and they both need more experience in there.
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I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing with baker. He can go and fill in across any line and play well anywhere depending on where we need him.
Just need to trial him in the ruck next….. :lol
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Anyone got a gif of when he dived head first on the wing trying to spoil the ball?
Here's both of Baker's head first dives going for the ball.
(http://oneeyed-richmond.com/images/animatedvidsgifs/BakerDesperateDiveWing.gif)
(http://oneeyed-richmond.com/images/animatedvidsgifs/BakerDesperateDive.gif)
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Im surprised the second one didnt get a free against for taking the legs
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Im surprised the second one didnt get a free against for taking the legs
Should have been a free kick without doubt
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Anyone got a gif of when he dived head first on the wing trying to spoil the ball?
Here's both of Baker's head first dives going for the ball.
(http://oneeyed-richmond.com/images/animatedvidsgifs/BakerDesperateDiveWing.gif)
(http://oneeyed-richmond.com/images/animatedvidsgifs/BakerDesperateDive.gif)
Yup the first one is the one I was talking about :clapping
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TIGERS TAKE ANOTHER STEP TOWARD KEEPING BAKER
Richmond has reportedly made Liam Baker an offer “hard to refuse”, as West Coast continue to loom as a potential home for the West Aussie talent.
The Herald Sun reports the Tigers are in the process of “ponying up on a fair deal” to keep him at the club for the foreseeable future.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/retired-blue-spotted-meeting-with-bombers-tigers-big-move-to-keep-west-aussie-revealed-trade-whispers/news-story/28c660a4d22d90047f1c5e4f563dc80f
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its being made out that players like Baker and Short are now first string top tier mids and are the ones who will take over from cotchin prestia martin etc but i dont think they are.decent mids yes but they were unsighted when we needed them against gold coast short remains as soft as they come and fmd how has he escaped criticism for out and out dumbness with the 50 he gave away and the first time either.
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Baker's contract negotiations moving along nicely at Richmond.
Source: Tom Browne on 7news.
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Baker's contract negotiations moving along nicely at Richmond.
Source: Tom Browne on 7news.
Did he mention he had an exclusive first? FMD this guy is an expert at telling you what you already know.
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Jon Ralph on Fox Footy said Richmond has offered Baker a new two year deal at $600k p.a.
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Only 2? I'd be offering 3-4 at least.
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600k is way over the odds for Baker. Hes a 500k at best. At 600k id let him go the eagles. We can get a good pick for him.
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600k is way over the odds for Baker. Hes a 500k at best. At 600k id let him go the eagles. We can get a good pick for him.
I'd be happy to offer him a longer deal on similar money. Inflation
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If Grimes plays for another 2 seasons, I actually think Liam is our next captain, unless Graham gets the nod.
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Baker has re-upped for two more years
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Excellent result. Future captain IMHO
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Fantastic! I love this bloke's game! Tough as ... hard as ... :clapping
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BAKER!!!! Heart and soul player that bleeds yellow and black. Great result
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:clapping
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Baker signs Richmond extension
Liam Baker has put pen to paper on a new contract, keeping him at Richmond until at least the end of the 2024 season.
By Richmond Media - 2 hrs ago
Dual premiership Tiger Liam Baker has committed to Richmond, inking a new two-year deal to remain at the Swinburne Centre.
A fan favourite for his tenacity and ability to impact games at crucial moments- Baker's signature will be welcome news for the Tiger Army.
The 24-year-old has become a vital member of the Richmond line-up with his ability to play all around the ground giving the Club's coaches great flexibility.
Baker was drafted to Richmond as a 19-year-old rookie via the WAFL (Subiaco) prior to the 2018 AFL season, having missed out on the National Draft for two consecutive years.
The West Australian had a small taste of senior football in his debut season before cementing his spot in 2019 and becoming a premiership player in just his 22nd AFL game.
Baker quickly became one of the Club's most consistent performers during the 2020 premiership campaign, as highlighted by his 6th place finish in that year's Jack Dyer Medal.
The West Australian was then runner-up to Dylan Grimes in last year's award and has continued on his stellar form as a leader within the team in 2022.
Baker was best on ground in the eyes of the senior coaches on three occasions between Rounds 10 and 15, polling the most votes in AFLCA's Champion Player Award.
Richmond General Manager- Football Talent, Blair Hartley, said Baker's signature was exciting news for the Club.
"Liam is an important player for us both on and off the field," he said.
"He is very popular among players, staff, and coaches, an excellent contributor to our culture, and an important part of our future.
"Liam has worked extremely hard since coming to the Club as a rookie selection from Western Australia and has been rewarded with individual and team success.
"We look forward to watching Liam continue to grow as a footballer, leader, and person across the next two years and beyond."
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1182705/baker-signs-richmond-extension
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Really good news.
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Excellent result. Future captain IMHO
I like this idea
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Last night back to the form and influence (26 disposals) Bakes showed during the mid-part of the season. He seemed to be working hard between the arcs which explains his 10 intercepts and 10 score involvements.
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Love his left foot.
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Bakes just named most courageous player by the AFLPA.
:clapping
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fa64K3raMAA8TzZ?format=jpg&name=small)
https://twitter.com/triplemfooty/status/1562388636704047107
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fa6106iaQAQWT-D?format=jpg&name=900x900)
https://twitter.com/Richmond_FC/status/1562388204724305920
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Baker voted AFL's Most Courageous
Richmond utility Liam Baker has been recognised by his playing peers as the AFL’s Most Courageous player.
The tenacious Tiger received the Robert Rose Award for Most Courageous Player at the AFL Players’ Association’s MVP Awards on Wednesday evening.
Twenty-four-year-old Baker is the second Richmond player to receive the prestigious award, following Club co-captain Dylan Grimes back in 2019, who presented the award to Baker.
Small in stature but big in heart, the tough dual premiership Tiger is renowned for putting his body on the line week in, week out.
Having earned himself a reputation as the side's 'Mr Fixit' after excelling in a number of roles, the Western Australian product has become a much-loved member of the team due to his ability to impact games and provide a spark all over the ground.
Across his 22 home and away games this season, the lively Tiger averaged 19.3 disposals, 10.6 kicks, 6.9 contested possessions, 8.7 handballs, 3.0 inside-50s and 5.3 score involvements per match.
Richmond defender Nathan Broad lauded his gutsy teammate as a deserving recipient of the award.
"'Bakes' is the ultimate teammate," he said.
"Having him in the team each week makes us walk taller knowing we have someone next to us who is willing to commit their body to the contest for the team," Broad said.
Baker's courageous nature and team-first attitude was on full display in the Tigers' Round 4 win over the Western Bulldogs, when he produced a desperate spoil in Richmond’s forward line.
The act resulted in a crucial goal kicked by Tom Lynch, as well as a nasty cut on Baker that caused an outpouring of blood.
He drew big praise from senior coach Damien Hardwick.
"You look at him and like everyone else, we look at his size (173cm, 72kg). But what we don’t see is the enormous heart of the kid," Hardwick said.
"Our recruiters saw something. They knew this kid deserved to play AFL footy . . .
"We’re fortunate to have a guy like Liam in our footy club, no question."
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1207117/
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Humble pie for me tonight, as i was mistaken thinking Baker was A.Raines reincarnate only shorter with a higher chip kick.
Liam's tenacity & drive for improvement and the development environment at RFC has enabled him to become a consistent dual premiership player.
Congratulations on your award tonight Liam and being recognised by your peers as the most courageous player in 22.
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Well deserved.
Shame his highlight reel only showed some tackles and smothers.
The amount of times he goes back with the flight, or that one occasion he dived to punch the ball etc. Much better examples.
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According to Claw he’s on thin ice
LMAO
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Ii have said this many times
I was so wrong about this bloke. Humble pie from me too
Well done Bakes :clapping
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I'm happy to say I loved and backed him in from the start.
Reminded me of Jake King but with better skills and footy smarts.
Like a terrier. Tough and goes hard.
What's not to love?
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Well deserved Bakes! Absolutely insane courage at times :clapping.
(http://oneeyed-richmond.com/images/animatedvidsgifs/BakerDesperateDive.gif)
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I'm happy to say I loved and backed him in from the start.
Reminded me of Jake King but with better skills and footy smarts.
Like a terrier. Tough and goes hard.
What's not to love?
Not to mention he’s an excellent mark above his head for a little guy and can play across all 3 lines.
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"Early days, I believed the stories I was too small... It took a while to change that mindset but now I'm rapt being small."
Watch as Liam Baker accepts the 2022 @AFLPlayers Most Courageous Award, presented by co-captain Dylan Grimes.
(https://www.aflphotos.com.au/images/thumbs/800/2022/08/24/997757.jpg) (https://twitter.com/Richmond_FC/status/1562403363194408960)
https://twitter.com/Richmond_FC/status/1562403363194408960
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7. Liam Baker
One of his quieter games for a while, struggling to have an impact for most of the night. Had six touches in the last quarter.
Foxsports rating: 3
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/richmond-tigers/afl-finals-2022-richmond-tigers-vs-brisbane-lions-second-elimination-final-highlights-stats-best-and-worst-players/news-story/7fc45960b9d79ca09461c1ff3de0ff76
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Liam Baker's media conference today:
Watch here: https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/1262846/-we-can-go-a-step-further-baker
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One of my favorite players how can anyone not like the tenacity. But there is nothing outstanding about any area of his game. For me in defence
i worry like hell about his size. Where do we play him? I still think it's as a mid that he will give us most value but its as part of rotations.
A big body like Hopper getting out to him will change the way he plays.
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One of my favorite players how can anyone not like the tenacity. But there is nothing outstanding about any area of his game. For me in defence
i worry like hell about his size. Where do we play him? I still think it's as a mid that he will give us most value but its as part of rotations.
A big body like Hopper getting out to him will change the way he plays.
Anywhere we need a lift IMO. Off the bench.
I like him at HF personally doing something similar to Lambert.
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I like him in a mid/fwd role but his most consistent form has come in the backline. Not sure why you’d be worried about his height, didn’t seem to affect us in our premiership years and it’s not like teams play 6 tall forwards at any time. I’d also argue that he’s one of our best overhead marks in the team.
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Starting off the bench.
Coming on as the third rover after Sonsie and Bolton.
Spending a bit of time at back pocket allowing Short to enter the centre rotations with Prestia and Cotchin.
Also can spend a bit of time forward replacing Bolton.
In other words highly flexible.
Unfortunately won't happen as it would confuse Hardwick to play someone in more than one position.
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What? Dimma plays people in multiple positions all the time. People legit complain about players not playing in their best position on here cos dimmas moving them around.
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Tiger Rioli keen for 'brick wall' Baker to join him
Justin Chadwick
AAP
Thurs, 2 February 2023
Richmond speedster Daniel Rioli hopes Liam Baker will play a more permanent role in defence this season, saying he walks taller when his "brick wall" mate is beside him.
Baker began last year in defence, but he starred when moved into the midfield later in the campaign.
However, the arrival of former GWS duo Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto is set to put the squeeze on midfield berths, with Baker a strong chance to return to defence.
That's music to the ears of Rioli, who wants his mate beside him in the backline.
"It's good having Bakes down there. He's like a brick wall, he's not scared of anything," Rioli said on Wednesday.
"Bakes is one of a kind and I always walk a bit taller when he's out there.
"With Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper in the midfield, hopefully I'll get to have Bakes down back.
"He can play in the midfield and give those boys a chop out as well."
https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl/tiger-rioli-keen-for-brick-wall-baker-to-join-him-c-9624417
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Tough as nails | Liam Baker highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyRjDnOxw1E
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Nice reel but none of his toughness on display...
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credit @RFCBrotherhood
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fov5sMXaMAEd9H8?format=jpg&name=medium)
https://twitter.com/TheTigerArmyAFL/status/1624666634513440768
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Update on Baker - appendicitis
https://twitter.com/Richmond_FC/status/1626728120815620097
Baker undergoes appendix surgery
Jon Pierik
The Age
18 February 2023
Richmond utility Liam Baker is on light duties, having had his appendix removed this week, but the Tigers are adamant he will be fit to face Carlton in next month’s blockbuster season opener.
As the Tigers took to the training track on Saturday, assistant coach Xavier Clarke said Baker, a dual premiership player, will be eased back into training next week.
“He woke up feeling pretty sore in the stomach over the weekend and had it investigated and, unfortunately, he had to have his appendix out,” Clarke said.
“But Bakes is pretty tough, and he’s going to be ready for round one, there’s no doubt. We’ve all seen the way he plays. If he had his way he’d probably be out there training. But he’ll rest up, and he’ll be fine in the coming weeks.”
Baker will miss Friday’s practice match against North Melbourne at Arden St, but should be ready to take on Melbourne in the Tigers’ final practice match on March 4. The Blues and Tigers open the season proper on March 16.
While he recuperates, the Tigers have other injury issues to worry about. Tom Lynch (foot), Ivan Soldo (back), Josh Gibcus (hamstring) and Jack Graham (toe) are not in full training, while hamstring victims Jason Castagna and Nathan Broad are working their way back.
Source: The Age (https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/clarkson-showcases-first-roos-moves-star-tiger-on-light-duties-20230218-p5clk1.html)
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Happy to cop any criticism that comes but i see things differently to most.
Yes tough as nails a bit of a terrier and always has a dip. Of course tiger people love him. Sheesh i love the way he goes about it.
But the truth is he does not have one outstanding attribute. Sort of okay at most things master of none.
Not super quick, small, decent disposal gets a bit of ball and on it goes but nothing top notch People won't admit it but his size has been an issue. For me as a small he lacks a bit of polish as well. Despite that i have him best 22 or 23. A good solid citizen who provides a bit of versatility who does most things well.. Reckon we all admire the guts and determination he brings.
Has he been a good player for us? of course. Not saying he cannot play the opposite in fact but he is not the elite player that people make him out to be.
Personally i firmly believe midfield is the go with him but i dont see him playing in front of others either as a defender or Forward.
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Happy to cop any criticism that comes but i see things differently to most.
Yes tough as nails a bit of a terrier and always has a dip. Of course tiger people love him. Sheesh i love the way he goes about it.
But the truth is he does not have one outstanding attribute. Sort of okay at most things master of none.
Not super quick, small, decent disposal gets a bit of ball and on it goes but nothing top notch People won't admit it but his size has been an issue. For me as a small he lacks a bit of polish as well. Despite that i have him best 22 or 23. A good solid citizen who provides a bit of versatility who does most things well.. Reckon we all admire the guts and determination he brings.
Has he been a good player for us? of course. Not saying he cannot play the opposite in fact but he is not the elite player that people make him out to be.
Personally i firmly believe midfield is the go with him but i dont see him playing in front of others either as a defender or Forward.
Actually I think his clear strengths are his overhead marking (for his size), attack on the football and toughness.
See what you're saying though. He's a good player to have starting on your bench and fixing a problem somewhere.
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Happy to cop any criticism that comes but i see things differently to most.
Yes tough as nails a bit of a terrier and always has a dip. Of course tiger people love him. Sheesh i love the way he goes about it.
But the truth is he does not have one outstanding attribute. Sort of okay at most things master of none.
Not super quick, small, decent disposal gets a bit of ball and on it goes but nothing top notch People won't admit it but his size has been an issue. For me as a small he lacks a bit of polish as well. Despite that i have him best 22 or 23. A good solid citizen who provides a bit of versatility who does most things well.. Reckon we all admire the guts and determination he brings.
Has he been a good player for us? of course. Not saying he cannot play the opposite in fact but he is not the elite player that people make him out to be.
Personally i firmly believe midfield is the go with him but i dont see him playing in front of others either as a defender or Forward.
Actually I think his clear strengths are his overhead marking (for his size), attack on the football and toughness.
See what you're saying though. He's a good player to have starting on your bench and fixing a problem somewhere.
Agree with that and also think he’s one of our better kicks especially going inside 50 and quite reliable set shot.
I’ll also continue to say that we’ve got his and shorts roles mixed up. Short is better off half back and baker is better in the middle and rotating forward.
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Fair effort and numbers from Bakes today two weeks or so after having his appendix out.
36 disposals (18k, 18h, 10c, 25u, 86.1% eff.)
6 marks
2 tackles
1 centre clearance
4 inside 50s
660 metres gained
9 intercepts
2 frees for
1 free against
6 score involvements
1 goal
87% game time
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Our best
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Richmond assistant coach Andrew McQualter was full of praise for Baker in his post-game press conference.
“He’s really tough, ‘Bakes’. Didn’t flinch at all today,” McQualter said.
“We really love him in our side. He provides a lot for us.”
Baker was typically straightforward in explaining his recovery from appendix surgery during a post-game interview with Richmond Media.
“I just had basic appendix removed . . . It only put me out of action for a week or so,” Baker said.
“Got back running, then trained during the week and thought I might be a chance. And turned out it felt a bit better than what I was expecting,
“So, I got up to play, which was good.
“I felt a little bit unfit out there, but that was the point of the hit-out . . . get me cherry ripe for Round 1.”
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1278955/brave-bold-baker-stands-tall-for-tigers
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Thoughts Claw?
I understand it might be hard to pinpoint what this guy's best strengths are sometimes but gee he has a dip and maybe that's what we need is some leadership.
Have said it before I actually think this guy would make a better captain than our current options.
Has a genuine barometer feel to him and I actually think people would (forgive the cliche) walk taller with him around because not only does he have a go but his heart is bigger than his stature would suggest and I personally would think gee if my little mate is having a crack then I bloody will too.
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Thoughts Claw?
I understand it might be hard to pinpoint what this guy's best strengths are sometimes but gee he has a dip and maybe that's what we need is some leadership.
Have said it before I actually think this guy would make a better captain than our current options.
Has a genuine barometer feel to him and I actually think people would (forgive the cliche) walk taller with him around because not only does he have a go but his heart is bigger than his stature would suggest and I personally would think gee if my little mate is having a crack then I bloody will too.
Hey i agree with most of that and even though i dont like him down back he was probably our best player. BUT i keep saying it loose across hb players all look a million bucks.
One thing for certain you will always get 110% from him.What will happen though a lot of times his endevour and intensity will not drop off but how to say it? lets say effectiveness will be somewhat underwhelming.
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Question from David King on Fox Footy's 'First Crack' show.
Q: With 17 seconds left on the clock, did you have a problem with Liam Baker leaving his direct opponent Acres by himself on Carlton's HF line and Bakes sprinting into the centre square to try and help win the game for the Tigers rather than staying with his man and protecting the draw?
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Amazing if we won it. Disaster if we lost it. :lol
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Very average game first up imo. Was invisible for big chunks of the game.
I have him as sub this week and am hoping we bring in Cumberland, Sonsie, Clarke Ryan and Tarrant if fit.
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Huge numbers for Bakes.
32 disposals (17k, 15h, 13c, 17u, 78.1% eff.)
6 marks
4 tackles
1 clearance (centre)
3 inside 50s
449 metres gained
7 score involvements
12 intercepts
1 free for
2 frees against
89% time on ground
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This is why I think he should be captain.
You'll never see him chasing at 80% or shying away from the hard things.
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Play him in the midfield and move short down back. It just seems like such an obvious miscast of roles btw those 2. I don’t get it.
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Captain Baker. He reminds me of Joel Selwood minus the gutless high tackle rubbish.
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Play him in the midfield and move short down back. It just seems like such an obvious miscast of roles btw those 2. I don’t get it.
Lol Short he is ordinary but hey you hang your hat on the dud.
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Oh yeah as one who is critical of the little man at times he had a very good game. Credit when it due.
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Hecwas our best last night
Easily
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Agree. Was our most consistent player.
Needs to tackle better though.
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Baker took over from Jayden Short as the current-day Richmond player with the most consecutive games.
Short had played 80 games in-a-row from Round 15, 2019 up until last week, when he was sidelined with a calf complaint.
Baker has played 66 consecutive games since Round 4 of the 2020 season.
“I think you can always guarantee that there’s a contest coming from ‘Bakes’. That’s what we love about him,” Cotchin said.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1297688/brilliant-baker
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"Liam Baker was the highest rated player on the ground against Collingwood."
- Daniel Hoyne (from Champion Data)
https://twitter.com/SENSportsday/status/1643174956132601857
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Dwayne with the top 10 rated defenders according to Champion Data this season:
1. Adam Saad
2. Nick Daicos
3. Jack Sinclair
4. Hayden Young
5. Ed Richards
6. Luke Ryan
7. Liam Baker
8. Jack Buckley
9. Conor McKenna
10. Jake Lever
https://twitter.com/DwaynesWorldSEN/status/1643456027864760321
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Tigers’ burning question: How do Richmond best use Liam Baker?
When the experts talk about Richmond, they list Dustin Martin, Shai Bolton and Tom Lynch as the keys to victory. But Liam Baker is continuing to show why he should be considered once of the competition’s best. Rated the highest ranked player on the ground against Collingwood, according to Champion Data statistics, Baker was the spark the Tigers needed in the low-scoring affair. He was solid in defence and was able to rebound quickly. In a match where Martin and Jacob Hopper were missing, Baker was able to step up as a big Richmond ball winner - as he did towards the end of 2022 when Martin was missing through injury. Named at halfback for the opening three rounds, more midfield minutes might be the best way coach Damien Hardwick can use the dynamic West Aussie.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2023-the-blowtorch-round-4-preview-every-clubs-burning-question-fox-footy-commentators-tv-broadcast-guide-fixture-news/news-story/6b5d97f9046ec43fd9cceb08f7d6094d
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I s Daniels named for the dogs. Would be a get match for him imo.
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I s Daniels named for the dogs. Would be a get match for him imo.
I’ll see you your Samwise and raise you with our Frodo
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'You can't keep shirking it': How tough love shaped this Tiger
Liam Baker has epitomised the Tigers' toughness and spirit throughout his 90-game career
By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
8 April 2023
HERE is something you wouldn't think about Liam Baker: he was once told he needed to harden up as a footballer. And here is something you might not expect about the Richmond dynamo: he kind of agreed with that opinion.
Baker was at school at Aquinas College in Perth, where he had been a boarder since year eight, when the message was clearly delivered.
"I'd played in year 10 and it was the start of year 11. I was about to get dropped and the coach said to me 'You're not in year 10 anymore, you're older now, you can't keep shirking it'. I think I learned," Baker told AFL.com.au this week.
"You ask a few school mates from back then and they'll say I was an outside player who didn't like getting my hands dirty. A few people have had a laugh at that but it's the one thing I don't like getting called – soft – so maybe that's where it grew from and I learned to love it.
"I probably was a bit soft back in school days but in WA if it was early morning it would be wet, dewy and cold and I didn't like playing in that. I'm used to it over here now but if I grew up in Victoria I would have been a little softie I reckon."
Talk about alternate universes.
Baker has epitomised the Tigers' toughness and spirit throughout his 90-game career at AFL level, featuring in Richmond's back-to-back premierships in 2019-20. He's as rugged as his haircuts, so fearless he never fumbles and up for any task his coach Damien Hardwick sets him. Last year his bravery was made official when he was named the AFL's most courageous player, an accolade that brings a smile but also some self-effacement.
"It makes me most proud that it was peer voted," he said.
"I want to put my body on the line for the team and do whatever I can but so does everyone. I think because I'm small I get a few brownie points, there's probably a lot of tougher blokes out there, I'm just small so they think I'm maybe tougher."
The recent evidence suggests the award has even more merit, though. A month from the start of this season, Baker woke up for the third day in a row with an aching pain. A couple of days later, he underwent surgery to have his appendix removed.
Some sore days in bed ensued – "You don't realise how much you use your abs until they get ripped to bits by the surgeon," he said – before he returned to training. Two weeks after his operation, he was best afield for Richmond in its practice match against Melbourne.
"I had to go out on the track and tested myself and came out of it pretty sore. The doc said 'Nah mate you're all good, you're not going to do more damage' and that was all I needed to hear pretty much," he said.
This season, the plan has been to settle in defence, where Baker has spent 98 per cent of game time so far in the opening three rounds and averaged 24 disposals. However, he's still up for being the Tigers' go-to man, their 'Move 'Bakes' in case of emergency' (they used him in the midfield late against Collingwood last week when he finished with 32 touches) and he has come to terms with the sometimes quick flip of roles.
"Early days I'd go into my shell a bit if I was moved and think I'd done something wrong. But after a couple of years in the system you realise 'What's the point in thinking you're doing something bad? Go out and do something good'," he said. "I love smothering and trying to stop goals as hard as I can but I also like getting a kick as well."
Baker's path to Punt Road from his family wheat and sheep farm in Pingaring, 50km north of Lake Grace and a four-hour drive from Perth, has been well-documented.
Overlooked by every club in the 2016 and 2017 national drafts before the Tigers grabbed him as a rookie, Baker quickly became an internal favourite at Richmond. He's still 'Dimma's' desperado, even if Baker isn't keen to give further air to the suggestion he's the coach's favourite. "There's a bit of a joke running but I try not to buy into it too much," he said, smirking.
He was excellent in the flag seasons, came second in Richmond's best and fairest in 2021 and has shown an impact as a busy, combative forward, a smart midfielder and also a brilliant defender, where he's been most damaging. Being 173cm may have stopped him being drafted but it hasn't changed his approach. It was no wonder West Coast came hard last year when he was out of contract, after two years that had made it difficult to see his family in Western Australia due to closed state borders and COVID controls.
He weighed things up before signing for two more years at Richmond through to the end of 2024, a key in the Tigers' push for another premiership.
"At the end of the day everyone at the club here knows it feels like we're the luckiest players in the AFL being drafted to Richmond. You're crazy to want to move away from that so that's what it came down to," he said.
"I found it a lot tougher in 2021 than the 2020 hub year with just the constant grind of coming in during winter and being locked up in the house again and not being able to get home [to WA].
"It was tough, my family found it tough too as they used to come over a lot and they will again this year. That's where a lot of that thinking came from, but last year it was back to normal and back having a lot of fun again.
"Every club passed up on me except for Richmond, they saw something in me that a few other people didn't. I wanted to repay the faith they showed in me."
Baker's ascent has seen him grow in leadership responsibilities at Richmond, where he's enjoyed giving a different perspective, but the traits that make him one of his team's integral players haven't waned. Just look at a couple of other sports.
He is renowned for shadow batting in front of mirrors at Punt Road, practicing cricket shots whenever he can in a quiet moment, while he is a committed golfer and plays in a manner that you'd, well, think and expect from Baker.
"Early days I was a bit more anxious and couldn't sit still. I still can't, but back then was worse so I'd get up and practice my cricket shots. I still do it, but not as much as I used to. Because I love it so much and the shadow batting the boys actually think I was good at cricket like 'Oh, could you have played?' But ask the people at home, I was no good, I couldn't hold myself down for 20 balls," he said.
"I love my golf. We didn't have much of a golf course back home and I wasn't allowed to play when dad was playing but I'd just hit balls as hard as I could in the paddock. If you see me play golf I swing as hard as I can and everyone's always saying 'Why don't you just try to hit it with a bit of ease?' But it seems to work at the moment."
https://www.afl.com.au/news/897898/-you-can-t-keep-shirking-it-how-a-bit-of-tough-love-shaped-this-fearless-tiger
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Had a mare tonight.
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Agee. Terrible decisions tonight.
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Time someone sat him down and told him to play within his limitations.
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It is actually funny in a way. We got a pre-match briefing before today's game. We got told how we intended to play and believe it or not Baker played exactly like they wanted the team to play
He made some shocking blues but alot of others did too.
Not his best day
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Chocolates to boiled lollies.
Who ever said playing to ones limitations had it right. What really irked was the panic attacks with ball in hand. As usual he gave 110% but tonight his limitations bit us on the arse.
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Star Richmond small defender Liam Baker continued his excellent start to the 2023 season with a top-class display against Sydney in last Friday night’s Gather Round clash at Adelaide Oval.
Baker performed at a consistently high level for the Tigers throughout the four quarters and finished the match with a game-high 35 disposals, equal team-high seven marks, four inside-50s, an equal team-high six rebound-50s, one goal, an equal team-high seven score involvements, seven intercepts and a team-high 586 metres gained.
In his five games this season, the dual premiership Tiger is averaging an impressive 26.4 disposals, 5.0 marks, 6.0 rebound-50s, 8.6 intercepts. 6.4 score involvements and 421.4 metres gained per match.
He is currently ranked third in the competition for intercepts, fifth for rebound-50s, and is likely leading the Jack Dyer Medal count to this stage of the season.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1309158/baker-maintains-his-fine-form
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Having a good year but his errors have been costly
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Horrendous errors Andyy.
Look im honest i think hes a decent enough player but im not a huge fan im not a big critic either.
Like you and all tiger supporters i like the tiger in him.
For me a keeper but he is not a player you build a team around imo. Hes more of a role player imo.
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For me a keeper but he is not a player you build a team around imo. Hes more of a role player imo.
Agree
Can’t build sides around hobbits
But he’s a bloody good role player
One of my favs
At least you admit now that he’s a keeper
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When i say keeper i mean you obviously not going to delist him.
I would weigh up a trade though depending of course.
The one id really like to see what we could get for him is Short.
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When i say keeper i mean you obviously not going to delist him.
I would weigh up a trade though depending of course.
The one id really like to see what we could get for him is Short.
EVERY player is available league wide
Anyone that thinks any player in untouchable is in denial
All it comes down to is price ..
I would trade any player on our list if we got significant overs ..
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EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS - Liam Baker
SEN
19 April 2023
Richmond fans have long loved Liam Baker.
The diminutive and versatile Baker constantly gives his all in a variety of roles, and more often than not gets the job done.
It could be seen as tricky for a player who has finished equal fourth and equal second in the past two best and fairest counts to exceed expectations, but he certainly has in 2023.
Baker has gone to another level in defence this year, averaging a career-high 26 disposals, six rebound 50s and five marks.
He has been a shining light for the Tigers, particularly in the last three defeats.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/04/19/who-at-each-afl-club-has-exceeded-met-or-underperformed-expectations/
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Probably didn’t get the possessions and didn’t see him much in the last qtr but this guy was hard as nails
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Liam Baker is a keeper.
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Is so often on the end of a handball at his feet or a wild kick and makes it work and I think anyone but Baker and that's a turnover
Someone needs to invent a stat for it
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His tenacity is a real weapon. You always know he'll attack the ball
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Skipper
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Liam Baker in 2023
Pressure: #7 in the AFL
Intercept Possessions: #8 in the AFL .... most of these are tall interceptors. Only Saad is the other small/mid-sized player in the top 10.
Score involvements: #2 .... in the AFL as a defender, only behind Nick Daicos.
Source: First Crack on Fox Footy.
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Torn on this bloke - like him & reckon he'd make a good captain in the Tony Shaw little mongrel vein but also reckon he's not irreplaceable and would be good trade bait....now we have Taranto as a possible quality candidate for next captain I'm starting to lean slightly towards the latter... :shh
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Torn on this bloke - like him & reckon he'd make a good captain in the Tony Shaw little mongrel vein but also reckon he's not irreplaceable and would be good trade bait....now we have Taranto as a possible quality candidate for next captain I'm starting to lean slightly towards the latter... :shh
Understand what you’re saying but Baker types don’t grow on trees.
You can’t teach what he’s got.
Baker is a lock and one of those players that are untouchable IMO
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What an amazing player. :clapping
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What an amazing player. :clapping
Courageous mark in the last at half back. Eyes only for the football.
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Huge last quarter. When we looked like we were going to rollover again in a last quarter, Bakes said no and took it upon himself in the guts to get ball forward and set up goalscoring opportunities to get us over the line.
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Love this guy!!
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Tough as.
Captain potential.
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Bakes reaches his ton this weekend against Freo :clapping.
2018 3 games
2019 19 ............. premiership
2020 20 ............. premiership
2021 22
2022 23
2023 13*
---------------------
Total 100* games
https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/L/Liam_Baker.html
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Bakes' career highlights:
WATCH HERE: https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/1351917/liam-baker-100-games
:thumbsup
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Another player rated highly within the walls of the club, a good achievements by Bakes
The more 100 gamers we get the better chance of some good father / sons
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Dimma had a man crush on Bakes as do I.
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An all-time rookie pick
Kane Cornes
SEN
6 June 2023
“Liam Baker plays game no. 100 this week. What a great pick, one of the all-time great rookies.
“I looked at the coaches votes and he didn’t feature, I thought he was the most important player for Richmond (against GWS).
“He was pick 18 in the 2018 rookie draft, he’s elite. He’s everything you admire about a footballer, he’s tough, he’s versatile, you need three of him… and he’s really classy.
“Nine score involvements and I thought he was exceptional for the Tigers, so congratulations to him on 100 games, what a pick.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/06/06/kane-cornes-seven-observations-from-round-12-of-the-2023-afl-season/
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An all-time rookie pick
Kane Cornes
SEN
6 June 2023
“Liam Baker plays game no. 100 this week. What a great pick, one of the all-time great rookies.
“I looked at the coaches votes and he didn’t feature, I thought he was the most important player for Richmond (against GWS).
“He was pick 18 in the 2018 rookie draft, he’s elite. He’s everything you admire about a footballer, he’s tough, he’s versatile, you need three of him… and he’s really classy.
“Nine score involvements and I thought he was exceptional for the Tigers, so congratulations to him on 100 games, what a pick.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/06/06/kane-cornes-seven-observations-from-round-12-of-the-2023-afl-season/
He won me over to the dumb comment of classy. Bakes as a small is not classy. We love him for his heart and tenacity but there is not one outstanding skill attribute. In fact id say he is a bit rough around the edges in most.
Sorry tiger supporters but im just being honest here. Can any one tell me what outstanding attribute he has outside of courage and tenacity. He is pretty good thru okay at most things and i actually love the little fella more heart than most on the list but i refuse to sugar coat anything.
In some ways he is a problem with our issues of lacking polish and class. People will again think its a bash at one of our players but it is not. With just a touch of class and polish we would have one of the best all round smalls in the comp.
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An all-time rookie pick
Kane Cornes
SEN
6 June 2023
“Liam Baker plays game no. 100 this week. What a great pick, one of the all-time great rookies.
“I looked at the coaches votes and he didn’t feature, I thought he was the most important player for Richmond (against GWS).
“He was pick 18 in the 2018 rookie draft, he’s elite. He’s everything you admire about a footballer, he’s tough, he’s versatile, you need three of him… and he’s really classy.
“Nine score involvements and I thought he was exceptional for the Tigers, so congratulations to him on 100 games, what a pick.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/06/06/kane-cornes-seven-observations-from-round-12-of-the-2023-afl-season/
He won me over to the dumb comment of classy. Bakes as a small is not classy. We love him for his heart and tenacity but there is not one outstanding skill attribute. In fact id say he is a bit rough around the edges in most.
Sorry tiger supporters but im just being honest here. Can any one tell me what outstanding attribute he has outside of courage and tenacity. He is pretty good thru okay at most things and i actually love the little fella more heart than most on the list but i refuse to sugar coat anything.
In some ways he is a problem with our issues of lacking polish and class. People will again think its a bash at one of our players but it is not. With just a touch of class and polish we would have one of the best all round smalls in the comp.
Baker's outstanding attributes are his courage and his tenacity. That mark he took on the weekend in front of closing GWS player shows everything Baker gives the side.
Sorry Claw but I would rather celebrate what he brings instead of moaning about his lack of polish and class.
In these days of salary cap restrictions you cannot have 22 players with polish class courage and tenacity
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An all-time rookie pick
Kane Cornes
SEN
6 June 2023
“Liam Baker plays game no. 100 this week. What a great pick, one of the all-time great rookies.
“I looked at the coaches votes and he didn’t feature, I thought he was the most important player for Richmond (against GWS).
“He was pick 18 in the 2018 rookie draft, he’s elite. He’s everything you admire about a footballer, he’s tough, he’s versatile, you need three of him… and he’s really classy.
“Nine score involvements and I thought he was exceptional for the Tigers, so congratulations to him on 100 games, what a pick.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/06/06/kane-cornes-seven-observations-from-round-12-of-the-2023-afl-season/
He won me over to the dumb comment of classy. Bakes as a small is not classy. We love him for his heart and tenacity but there is not one outstanding skill attribute. In fact id say he is a bit rough around the edges in most.
Sorry tiger supporters but im just being honest here. Can any one tell me what outstanding attribute he has outside of courage and tenacity. He is pretty good thru okay at most things and i actually love the little fella more heart than most on the list but i refuse to sugar coat anything.
In some ways he is a problem with our issues of lacking polish and class. People will again think its a bash at one of our players but it is not. With just a touch of class and polish we would have one of the best all round smalls in the comp.
You asked this weeks ago and I said courage and tenacity.
Now you're asking what else besides those?
What about Lynch? What does he bring besides marking and goal kicking? Stuff him off too? What about Taranto besides clearance work, tackling and two way running? Stuff him off too?
Seriously mate not everyone is a Brownlow medallist. He's a rookie pick for goodness sake. A player with his attributes and skill level is a bargain of the year find.
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Terrific Tiger troubleshooter’s ton tribute
Liam Baker, who will reach the 100-game milestone against Fremantle, is one of the great success stories of the competition’s rookie draft system.
Full article: https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1352883/terrific-tiger-troubleshooter-s-ton-tribute
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Tigers’ burning question: Is Liam Baker Richmond’s most important player?
We all know how great Dustin Martin has been for Richmond, and the longevity of the likes of Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt, but it’s Liam Baker who proved the spark against GWS. Kane Cornes described Baker as a “genuine star” on SEN due to his versatility. “He can play back midfield and went forward to great effect,” he praised. Fox Footy’s Nathan Buckley said Baker was exactly the sort of player you wanted alongside you as a teammate. “Guys you love to play with, blokes you look out on the field or you’re witnessing a team go about it and there’s a guy continually put himself on the line or run himself into exhaustion, go back with the flight... they’re not always the most skilful, pristine looking players, but they play with heart. And Liam Baker is a heart player,” he said.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-news-2023-the-blowtorch-round-13-review-every-clubs-burning-question-fox-footy-commentators-tv-analysis-fixture/news-story/d8a742085c2acf40f128b86d6d3bee84
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From Barrett's 'Sliding Doors' column:
IF ...
Liam Baker was runner-up in 2021 and fourth last year in the Tigers' best-and-fairest count ...
THEN ...
he's tracking for another solid finish this year. Plays his 100th game on Saturday in Perth, against Freo. A great footy story, having had to enter the AFL system via the rookie draft in 2018.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/944857/if-jordan-de-goey-wants-to-head-to-bali-again-then
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Baker will notch his 100th AFL game on Saturday, and the Perth-born utility will be doing it in front of family and friends.
"It just makes it extra special," he said.
"We'll have the family down in the rooms.
"It's going to be a good weekend, and if we can get the 'W' as well, it will be perfect."
While he will enjoy having his family around him at Optus Stadium, the 2018 rookie draft pick has no plans to leave Richmond and return home to Perth.
"I always thought about it (returning home), but the reality is I love it at Richmond," he said.
"It's a very good club to be at. The boys are amazing, the club itself are amazing.
"I'm happy with where I'm at."
Source: West Australian (https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/afl/tigers-aim-to-keep-fremantles-high-flyers-grounded-c-10930061).
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Bakes' game tonight in his 100th:
20 disposals (9k, 11h, 12c, 7u, 55% eff.)
2 marks
4 tackles (2 F50 tackles)
1 clearance
3 inside 50s
217 metres gained
3 intercepts
0 frees for
5 free against
4 score involvements
1 goal assist
1 behind
82% time on ground
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His 1st half was great
His 2nd half not so much
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Think he was getting frustrated by all the soft free kicks that were getting called against him. Should have nailed that set shot though.
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Enormous 1sy half
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Some 'unnecessary' contact from Baker sees a free kick paid against him. Much in it?
WATCH INCIDENT HERE: https://twitter.com/FOXFOOTY/status/1667468220603961344
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Some 'unnecessary' contact from Baker sees a free kick paid against him. Much in it?
WATCH INCIDENT HERE: https://twitter.com/FOXFOOTY/status/1667468220603961344
Ryan from Freo should get fined for staging
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Fine him a few coffees but Ryan needs a lie down.
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Richmond midfielder Liam Baker was offered a $2000 fine for striking Fremantle defender Luke Ryan with an elbow to the stomach.
The incident was graded as intentional conduct, low impact and body contact.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/947219/match-review-hawks-skipper-young-tiger-facing-long-bans
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Ryan is a good player tbh but worth every penny.
Of all the players I legitimately thought Baker and Mansell looked the most peeed off at the reaming we were getting from the cheats
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Ryan is a good player tbh but worth every penny.
Of all the players I legitimately thought Baker and Mansell looked the most peeed off at the reaming we were getting from the cheats
The afl has created so many stupid stupid rules to open up the game and increase scoring because that’s apparently what us fans want or so they say.
One actual logical rule they can implement which would open the game up like they so badly crave is by giving baker a 50m penalty in the play he got fined for. Absolutely zero reason for Ryan to be wrapping his arms around baker other than to slow him down and stop him from giving off a quick handball. Should be an automatic 50 especially since he wasn’t even in the marking contest.
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There was a play at HB/wing where someone tried to switch play and it looked like a certain turnover in a very dangerous position and bakes just wanted it more than the saints player, charged head first and tapped it out to our player that was free on the outside. Sums up what kind of player he is. Love bakes for these type of things :cheers
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There was a play at HB/wing where someone tried to switch play and it looked like a certain turnover in a very dangerous position and bakes just wanted it more than the saints player, charged head first and tapped it out to our player that was free on the outside. Sums up what kind of player he is. Love bakes for these type of things :cheers
He seems to be doing this atleast once a game, just going in harder and winning a contest against the odds. Gotta love him
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For me he’s the next captain . Very cotch like in that he lets his actions do the talking
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There was a play at HB/wing where someone tried to switch play and it looked like a certain turnover in a very dangerous position and bakes just wanted it more than the saints player, charged head first and tapped it out to our player that was free on the outside. Sums up what kind of player he is. Love bakes for these type of things :cheers
He seems to be doing this atleast once a game, just going in harder and winning a contest against the odds. Gotta love him
You might even say it's one of his key attributes
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Awesome
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There was a play at HB/wing where someone tried to switch play and it looked like a certain turnover in a very dangerous position and bakes just wanted it more than the saints player, charged head first and tapped it out to our player that was free on the outside. Sums up what kind of player he is. Love bakes for these type of things :cheers
(http://oneeyed-richmond.com/images/animatedvidsgifs/BakerActsR142023.gif)
With sound: https://twitter.com/FootyonNine/status/1670777671461265408
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That was the one! How could you not love bakes :cheers
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absolute legend is what he is
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AAA Extra: Tough Tiger on his unique footy journey and rollercoaster year
Liam Baker chats with Damian Barrett about his rise into the AFL and a season that has already seen massive changes at Tigerland.
WATCH HERE: https://www.afl.com.au/video/969061/aaa-extra-tough-tiger-on-his-unique-footy-journey-and-rollercoaster-year
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AAA Extra: Tough Tiger on his unique footy journey and rollercoaster year
Liam Baker chats with Damian Barrett about his rise into the AFL and a season that has already seen massive changes at Tigerland.
WATCH HERE: https://www.afl.com.au/video/969061/aaa-extra-tough-tiger-on-his-unique-footy-journey-and-rollercoaster-year
Baker buoyant
As a player renowned for his courage, toughness and fierce, unrelenting attack on the football, it is somewhat of a surprise to learn what the non-negotiable aspect of Liam Baker’s distinguished playing career at Richmond is.
“It’s coming in with a smile on your face, have a laugh, get around the boys. That’s the number one thing,” told AFL.com.au leading football journalist Damian Barrett in a special interview.
“We all have our problems at home . . . 70 percent of us will be having a problem once a week.
“It’s a good place (Tigerland). You can come in and you can bring your problems to work, you can talk about them with the boys.
Baker credits teammate and housemate Jayden Short with having a significant, positive influence on his football life.
“I’m lucky, I live with ‘Shorty’ (Jayden Short) and he’d be the best at the Club at that . . . coming in with a smile, have a laugh,” Baker said.
“I’ve probably learned a bit of that from him because I could be down and grumpy at times.
“He taught me a lot of lessons probably that he doesn’t even know that he taught me . . . pushing through pain to get on the track and work as hard as you can, never give up your spot. That kind of stuff.
“It’s funny, that’s the way I’m wired a bit now as well, and a lot of that would be to do with living with him and being so close with him.”
Baker, a 25-year-old veteran of 103 games with Richmond, including two Grand Final triumphs (2019 and 2020) also spoke about taking on more responsibility now as one of the leaders of the Club’s playing group.
“We’ve had a lot of transition over the last four or five years with ‘Grigga’ (Shaun Grigg), a few years ago, Bachar, (Houli), Dave (Astbury), ‘Shedda’ (Shane Edwards), Jase (Castagna) . . . I’ve missed a heap.
“It’s just going to be same again this year, if not the year after, and probably the year after that.
“The more I’ve been in footy, you realise that’s just the way footy works. Older blokes move on, and young boys come in. And it just keeps on going . . .
“People like myself, and my age group, need to step up when the older boys drop out.”
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1378805/baker-buoyant
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Liam Baker winning goal vs Hawthorn multi-call (AFL NATION/3AW/MMM/ABC)
Click pic or link for full sound version:
(http://oneeyed-richmond.com/images/animatedvidsgifs/BakerWinningGoalR192023.gif) (https://twitter.com/laceoutofficial/status/1682660472737402881)
https://twitter.com/laceoutofficial/status/1682660472737402881
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Richmond’s match-winner discusses THAT goal with 3AW
Liam Baker admits it was an unbelievable feeling booting the match-winner for Richmond on Saturday, helping seal a come-from-behind win against Hawthorn.
“We made it hard for ourselves, but it was good to get the job done,” he said.
LISTEN HERE: https://www.3aw.com.au/richmonds-match-winner-discusses-that-goal-with-3aw/
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(c) :shh
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Definitely capitano material this bloke.
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Ok. Make him captain already!
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Richmond Tigers need to find a way to deploy weapon Liam Baker better in finals push
Jackson Barrett
The West Australian
Thu, 3 August 2023
As they enter the desperate stages of their late charge for finals under a new coach and with a new lease on life, Richmond need to find a way to deploy Liam Baker as a match-winning weapon again.
The Western Australian cult hero has fallen by the wayside in Andrew McQualter’s plans after taking over from Damien Hardwick, with Baker now seemingly an afterthought.
Paywall: https://thewest.com.au/sport/richmond-tigers/the-forward-pocket-richmond-tigers-need-to-find-a-way-to-deploy-weapon-liam-baker-better-in-finals-push-c-11468380
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Bakes has been watching Gaelic Football :thumbsup.
(http://oneeyed-richmond.com/images/animatedvidsgifs/BakerGaelicTrick.gif)
https://twitter.com/FOXFOOTY/status/1695657749508493706
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I was really disappointed with his game today
Yes did sp,3 nice thongs but sold his team mates o to trouble a fair bit too
Those over the head handballs are heart in the mouth stuff
Cost us a goal in the first by refusing to take responsibility and having shot, over did the handball
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Another brilliant year from Bakes. (https://abs-0.twimg.com/emoji/v2/svg/1f525.svg)
#richmondfc #gotiges
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F9Gp5bJaAAAu90n?format=jpg&name=small)
https://twitter.com/RFCBrotherhood/status/1716339768932606144
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We all love the way this little fella plays the game but and i know it will upset people i think we over rate him a fair bit.
I will reiterate i like every one else love the way he cracks in never ever gives up and can be relied on giving 100% every single time he walks across the white line. If only a few others had his intensity.
I just don't think Liam is great in any area of the game but does enough in most to get by and even thrive at times.
You are going to pick him every week for what he brings in effort but boy id really like him to have something in his game that has genuine hurt factor.
Sorry if it offends people i really like the little fella as a player but he just is not as good as tiger supporters rave about.
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That sort of post won’t offend people
You are being genuinely decent about how you are putting your thoughts out
The use of paragraphs and decency actually has me thinking you’ve been hacked
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Solid year.
good player in an average team that sometimes tries to do too much.
still one of our best and had a very good year. He cracks in unlike many others this year and possibly next.
Hopefully he is in leadership group to replace Grimes.
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Baker is elite in one aspect of the game = heart
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Speaking on Gettable, AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey said West Coast is one of the six clubs could "go really hard and target" some of the game's biggest names.
Richmond star Liam Baker is another name off-contract that could be in the sights of West Coast, who were interested in the premiership Tiger last year before he recommitted at Punt Road.
Twomey believes both English and Baker will be on West Coast's radar as they look to add to their young list.
"Liam Baker was a huge one for them last year, ended up staying back came pretty close to leaving. In the end they came really, really strongly for him.
"I think he'll be targeted again by the Eagles and probably Fremantle too. He's pretty settled in Victoria and could well be their next skipper as well, but I think he's one the Eagles will go pretty strongly at again next year."
https://www.zerohanger.com/essendon-west-coast-among-six-afl-clubs-ready-to-splash-cash-and-target-million-dollar-plus-players-in-2024-145254/
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Straight swap for Homesick Harley. :shh
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Speaking on Gettable, AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey said West Coast is one of the six clubs could "go really hard and target" some of the game's biggest names.
Richmond star Liam Baker is another name off-contract that could be in the sights of West Coast, who were interested in the premiership Tiger last year before he recommitted at Punt Road.
Twomey believes both English and Baker will be on West Coast's radar as they look to add to their young list.
"Liam Baker was a huge one for them last year, ended up staying back came pretty close to leaving. In the end they came really, really strongly for him.
"I think he'll be targeted again by the Eagles and probably Fremantle too. He's pretty settled in Victoria and could well be their next skipper as well, but I think he's one the Eagles will go pretty strongly at again next year."
https://www.zerohanger.com/essendon-west-coast-among-six-afl-clubs-ready-to-splash-cash-and-target-million-dollar-plus-players-in-2024-145254/
Came pretty close to leaving, absolute crap :shh
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As if anyone would take your word for anything after you lied to the club about touring Port's facilities... :shh :shh
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As if anyone would take your word for anything after you lied to the club about touring Port's facilities... :shh :shh
I think this pathetic joke has gone long enough, in fact, i would suggest most on here cringe every time you mention it. You are a sad person who ever you are :lol
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As if anyone would take your word for anything after you lied to the club about touring Port's facilities... :shh :shh
I think this pathetic joke has gone long enough, in fact, i would suggest most on here cringe every time you mention it. You are a sad person who ever you are :lol
Worse jokes have been carried on for much longer
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As if anyone would take your word for anything after you lied to the club about touring Port's facilities... :shh :shh
I think this pathetic joke has gone long enough, in fact, i would suggest most on here cringe every time you mention it. You are a sad person who ever you are :lol
Worse jokes have been carried on for much longer
Machine Man's continued selection in the side for a start...... :shh
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To be a joke doesn’t it have funny or am I missing something
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It's off topic anyway. This thread is about Bakes. Stick to it, folks!
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#LiamBaker apparently did a PB for the 2km time trial..
Can see the effort written all over his face.
Like Jack G, he looks a bit slimmer to start this preseason & will be interesting to see what role Yze has in mind for the little Champ..
What are your thoughts on Bakes for '24?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F_-PFSfaYAA2JZy?format=jpg&name=small)
https://twitter.com/Tigers_of_Old/status/1729259401352225032
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Always thought he should be used as a forward that rotates through the middle. Feel like he’s been thrown into the middle on the odd occasion and proved a real difference maker.
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Is a lovely kick on both sides. I see a role as a high hf who can bring ball i50 with precision. Also, can see him being front and square crumbing contests and laying a tackle of two.
Not sure about him as a midfielder.
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Tough Tiger set for new role to start Yze era
By Sarah Black
afl.com.au
13 Feb 2024
LIAM Baker was overlooked in two drafts, in part due to his height.
Seven seasons on, the former rookie is a fan favourite – his courage, endeavour and a dash of cheekiness impressing all – and an integral member of Richmond's new generation of leaders.
The departure of triple premiership coach Damien Hardwick, former captain Trent Cotchin and vice-captain Jack Riewoldt last year was the clear demarcation of the end of the Tiger dynasty.
Now, it's up to players like Baker, who were lucky enough to begin their careers with flags, to guide Richmond through the next era, along with new coach Adem Yze.
"The facts are 'Cotch' and Riewoldt left, so blokes like myself and my age group, we need to step up and be leaders around the club with our voice and stuff and drive this new group," Baker told AFL.com.au.
"It's exciting for myself, 'Shorty' (Jayden Short), Jack Graham, Tylar Young as well. He's only in his second year, but he's got a wise head on his shoulders and he's a similar age to me (25 to Baker's 26).
"It's a lot for us to pick up, but it's exciting for the Tiges."
The ever-versatile Baker – who stands at 173cm – seemed to be Hardwick's favourite 'break glass in case of emergency' player, deployed to whichever line was in the most trouble throughout a game.
But the departure of Cotchin – and the possibility of Shai Bolton spending a greater percentage of time up forward – looks set to allow Baker, Jacob Hopper and the developing Thomson Dow more time on the ball.
"We'll have to wait and see as always, but I've been training in the mids and playing the practice games in the mids. It's good, I've been working with Chris Newman and Jack Ziebell a lot," Baker said.
"Obviously it's a new role for me. I've been there for bits and pieces, but it's been a first full pre-season (in the role), so something different but I'm really enjoying it at the moment.
"Hopefully that's my spot for the season and I can just stay there. Ideally, it'd be good to become a leader at one position, but you look around the midfield and there's a lot of stars in there. I understand it's not about picking your best midfield, it's about picking your best team, so someone has to give."
Baker was full of praise for Dow – who played the last three games of 2023 – and the tenacious Rhyan Mansell, identifying the pair as top performers over summer.
"[Dow's] contest work, his body work and footwork around stoppages, in and around traffic is really impressive to watch," he said.
"He's just springboarded off a couple of games last year, which is good for us. This is his chance to hold down that midfield role, and I think he'll do it very well.
"Rhyan Mansell has been another one. He's been playing that (pressure) forward role, which he played a bit last year, but a nice pre-season in that role has been real good for him, and his contest work is unbelievable, he hits hard.
"Kane McAuliffe and Liam Fawcett, they've come in as our draftees, and they've gone really well on the track. They're showing glimpses of some good stuff in their first pre-season, which is exciting."
Baker and the Tigers have spent the past few days on community camp in Mildura, the north-western Victorian town a traditional recruiting heartland and current Next Generation Academy zone.
"It's been really good actually. We have great support up here. The fans came out for a clinic, there were kids everywhere, and then the schools have been really inviting as well," he said.
"We've had a great time up here. I know it's the first time we've been up in a while, so they were pretty excited to see us. We really appreciate the support we get from up this way. Hopefully, it's not too long till we come back again."
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1075627/tigers-time-utility-liam-baker-ready-to-step-up-in-new-role
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HUN reporting today (pg 79) that a number of Victorian Clubs plus the the 2 WA clubs are chasing Baker who comes up of contract at the end of this season.
Report also says he has put off "contract negotiations until later this season"
It goes on to say that "Baker is content to assess how Richmond’s season unfolds with a new coaching team and game plan" and that "he has also been told he will playing as a full-time midfielder this season"
Report suggest he is currently on a "good deal of around $600k"
Final paragraph reads "The Tigers will be optimistic he will re-sign after stating when he signed his latest contract he was always keen to stay loyal"
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I love baker and he will always be a premiership hero. He is the type of player I would be open to trade if say a Perth based club paid overs to try and bring some leadership and culture to their club
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So people are happy to trade Bakes ?
The return would be a first round pick no doubt .. all picks can be busts
Whereas we have a a very good footballer at the very least , who is entering his peak years and also has leadership qualities
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Straight swap for Homesick Harley. :shh
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I would be trying to keep him if he's not scalping the club for too much $$$
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Liam Baker is preparing for a more senior role this year under new coach Adem Yze. @laura_spurway #7NEWS
Watch here: https://twitter.com/7NewsMelbourne/status/1761660207980306922
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Looks like Bakes is VC or atleast deputy VC with Nank and Lynchy out.
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7news said Baker will play midfield and may get the captaincy this weekend given Nank is out.
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His lack of size is becoming a defensive issue....also why does he always seem to find himself in marking contests down the line that he has stuff all chance of winning...I realise it's usually unavoidable during the course of a two hour game but seems like something's going wrong with our structure there for a bloke of his size who's not a noted jumper to be a contested marking target so often....... :shh
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His lack of size is becoming a defensive issue....also why does he always seem to find himself in marking contests down the line that he has stuff all chance of winning...I realise it's usually unavoidable during the course of a two hour game but seems like something's going wrong with our structure there for a bloke of his size who's not a noted jumper to be a contested marking target so often....... :shh
If I put my rose coloured glasses on I would say it’s because he’s worked harder to get to more contests in which he’s inevitably outsized.
I think it’s more just dumb kicks to him in hope
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Probably that and laziness and lack of awareness from others... :shh
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Richmond vice-captain Liam Baker’s WA house purchase raises questions about future
The recent purchase of a house in his home state of WA has increased speculation about the future of an out-of-contract Richmond star.
News.com.au
March 23, 2024
Richmond coach Adem Yze says keeping vice-captain Liam Baker “happy” and enjoying his footy is all the club can do amid speculation about the out-of-contract premiership player’s future.
Reports out of West Australia, where Baker is from, revealed he’d purchased a multimillion-dollar waterfront property and could be lured home by either West Coast or Fremantle, with the Tigers enduring something of a rebuild under new coach Yze.
West Coast recently signed Matt Clarke , Richmond’s former national recruiting manager and the man who got Baker to Richmond, as its new list manager, adding a further layer of intrigue to the situation.
Baker’s on-field importance to the Tigers has increased exponentially this season and more so in the wake of a 10-week hamstring injury to midfield bull Dion Prestia.
Yze said getting Baker’s signature on a new deal would be “massive” but his job was to get the best out of him on-field and let the negotiations play out behind closed doors.
“He’s the vice-captain of our footy club and he brings energy and spirit to our club, so it’s massive … it’s obviously a big signing for us,” he said on Friday.
“So we’re hoping he’s happy, hoping he’s enjoying his footy. He will get an opportunity inside this week against some quality midfielders.
“So those things will happen, (list boss) Blair Hartley’s onto that and but we just sort of said right now we just want him playing good footy and been really happy playing for our footy club and those things will come to fruition later in the year.”
https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/afl-2024-richmond-vicecaptain-liam-bakers-wa-house-purchase-raises-questions-about-future/news-story/8c3d62a20e5a6e9e1abd43dea12981fd
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'A few lapses early in the third and fourth quarters' - Baker.
Watch here: https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/1514753/a-few-lapses-early-in-the-third-and-fourth-quarters-baker
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Ok I may be the bearer of bad news .
I own a business about 10 km from Fremantle , it’s in a fairly affluent part of Perth.
One of my employees ( a 16 year old kid ) told me a Richmond player had bought his parents home - it was Liam Baker of course. Apparently they were to keep things confidential, but obviously this information has already been leaked.
My employees family is currently renting the property back off Baker - but they are under the impression Liam plans to move back next year .
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Not necessarily bad news.....#drafthaul24 :shh
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I would trade him , has value
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Swap for Serong and retire meatie.
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Swap for Serong and retire meatie.
You are kidding right. :o
Here is a way to look at it.
You barrack for lets say Fremantle why in hell would you even go after Baker. Boy we over rate our own. Yes i like Liam as a player but to me he is a role player okay at most things but great at any except being competetive and having a dip.
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Swap for Serong and retire meatie.
You are kidding right. :o
Here is a way to look at it.
You barrack for lets say Fremantle why in hell would you even go after Baker. Boy we over rate our own. Yes i like Liam as a player but to me he is a role player okay at most things but great at any except being competetive and having a dip.
He is vice captain and freo need leadership like you need perspective.
Weller went to Goldie for pick 2 for those reasons.
The only possible upsetting of the apple cart is if freo happen to finish in top 8. Then, they will start doing to their list and coach what you are saying i am doing to bakes.
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Swap for Serong and retire meatie.
You are kidding right. :o
Here is a way to look at it.
You barrack for lets say Fremantle why in hell would you even go after Baker. Boy we over rate our own. Yes i like Liam as a player but to me he is a role player okay at most things but great at any except being competetive and having a dip.
He is vice captain and freo need leadership like you need perspective.
Weller went to Goldie for pick 2 for those reasons.
The only possible upsetting of the apple cart is if freo happen to finish in top 8. Then, they will start doing to their list and coach what you are saying i am doing to bakes.
Something about that trade has never agreed with me. Can't help but wonder if there was AFL intervention.
They won't be giving Serong for Baker unless we package something else valuable. Not worth it.
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A case to answer for Baker?
Important Tiger Liam Baker will face a nervous wait after a clumsy effort in the second quarter. After Richmond kicked long to the paint of its forward 50, Swan Lewis Melican leapt to take an intercept mark as Baker floated in back with the flight in an effort to equal the aerial contest. In the process, he made contact with Melican. After an ensuing scuffle, Melican got up to take his kick, and was taken from the field soon after, but played out the match without issue.
https://www.afl.com.au/video/1099067/fireworks-spark-after-bakers-brutal-flying-contact
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Thank goodness the Swans bloke played out the game
Still think he will cop some sort of penalty
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Won’t be suspended given the swans bloke played out the game.
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Hope it's just a reprimand.
Looked completely accidental to me and no damage done.
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Swap for Serong and retire meatie.
You are kidding right. :o
Here is a way to look at it.
You barrack for lets say Fremantle why in hell would you even go after Baker. Boy we over rate our own. Yes i like Liam as a player but to me he is a role player okay at most things but not great at any except being competetive and having a dip.
He is vice captain and freo need leadership like you need perspective.
Weller went to Goldie for pick 2 for those reasons.
The only possible upsetting of the apple cart is if freo happen to finish in top 8. Then, they will start doing to their list and coach what you are saying i am doing to bakes.
On what planet do you think fremantle are in desperate need of experience. They have just as many experienced players as us and their kids are more experinced games played, than ours in the main.
Who in their right mind would give up Serong for Baker to start with that would be a massive backward step.
I don't think im the one who needs perspective im being realistic unlike your good self.
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Except their "experience" has achieved 9/10ths of stuff all.... :shh
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‘We’ll give him the world’: Yze wants to keep Baker at Richmond
Marc McGowan
The Age
April 1, 2024
First-year Richmond coach Adem Yze declared after his maiden win for the Tigers that they would give star vice-captain Liam Baker “the world” if he wanted to stick around.
Baker, who is out of contract at season’s end and in Fremantle’s and West Coast’s sights, has enjoyed a strong start to the year, including amassing 21 disposals and two goals in Richmond’s five-point upset of previously unbeaten Sydney at the MCG on Sunday.
Making matters more interesting is the transition period the Tigers are going through under Yze as they move further away from the golden era of three premierships in four years from 2017 to 2020.
“He’ll make his decision, and the club will work with him with that, and we’ll give him the world if he wants to stay at our footy club – but if he decides to go, well, then that’s the nature of the game,” Yze said.
“While he’s here, we just want him to play free and enjoy his footy, and make that decision when the time comes.
“That’s my only thing I’ve been talking to him about – is I just want his effort to be high and just enjoy walking in the footy club, and we love him. He knows that. He’ll make that decision. The last couple of weeks, he’s played with some freedom, which is nice, so hopefully, he can keep that going.”
Yze said list boss Blair Hartley would work out the finer contract details with Baker’s agent, Jason Dover, but made it clear he was “very much a player [who] we want to keep”. But he emphasised the Tigers would not judge him if he left.
The Dockers seem a better fit for Baker – who was born and raised in Western Australia – with their age demographic than the rebuilding Eagles, plus Fremantle are armed with three first-round picks, so they could potentially use one of those to strike a deal.
However, more pressure-filled performances and victories like Sunday’s win – 11.16 (82) to 11.11 (77) – should only help Richmond’s cause in retaining him.
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Baker will wait anxiously for match review officer Michael Christian’s assessment of his second-quarter incident with Lewis Melican, where he flew in and braced late, ultimately making contact to the Swans defender’s head.
Melican was able to get up before briefly going to the bench, but he did not undergo a concussion test and returned soon after.
“I didn’t see the incident, but we’ll look at it later tonight or tomorrow,” Yze said.
“If he’s gone and done something outside the rules, we’ll have to wait and see, but I think Melican played the whole game, so that’s a positive ... ‘Bakes’ is pretty small; Melican’s a big man.”
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/we-ll-give-him-the-world-yze-wants-to-keep-baker-at-richmond-20240331-p5fgeq.html
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Except their "experience" has achieved 9/10ths of stuff all.... :shh
They way he’s playing, west joke may give us pick 1 for him….
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If he stays we should make him captain IMHO.
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Baker offered suspension by MRO
Liam Baker has been offered a one-game suspension for rough conduct against Sydney's Lewis Melican.
By Richmond Media
Just now
The Match Review Officer has completed their review of Sunday's Round 3 match between Richmond and the Sydney Swans, with Liam Baker offered a one-game suspension.
Charge laid:
Liam Baker, Richmond, has been charged with rough conduct against Sydney Swan, Lewis Melican during the second quarter of the Round 3 match between Richmond and the Sydney Swans played at the MCG on Sunday, March 31, 2024. The incident was graded as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact.
In summary, Baker can accept a one-match sanction.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1519963/round-3-match-review
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Medium impact. stuff off. The caampaigner got up and played the whole game. Should have just punched the prick like Pendlebury. Get off doing that
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Challenge that
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I think it could have been far worse
The world is absolutely fried as we knew it
Take the week and move on
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Yeah a joke but on the bright side a kid will hopefully get a game over a bloke who'll either be at Freo or West Coast next year.... :shh
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I think it could have been far worse
The world is absolutely fried as we knew it
Take the week and move on
Agree Damo
Agree or not, like it or not as I posted on the other thread HQ has made it very clear you leave the ground and make contact you are goneskis
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I think it could have been far worse
The world is absolutely fried as we knew it
Take the week and move on
Agree Damo
Agree or not, like it or not as I posted on the other thread HQ has made it very clear you leave the ground and make contact you are goneskis
I think the level of impact is what needs to be contested here.
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I think it could have been far worse
The world is absolutely fried as we knew it
Take the week and move on
Agree Damo
Agree or not, like it or not as I posted on the other thread HQ has made it very clear you leave the ground and make contact you are goneskis
il remember this the next time it rolls around and a player gets off :shh
garbage decision.
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Our appeal failed.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GKJO_t_aYAAaHwU?format=jpg&name=900x900)
https://twitter.com/FOXFOOTY/status/1775068150977249746
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Was worth a crack.
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Of course it fails. Bunch of corrupt pricks
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This was our defensive argument at the Tribunal that didn't work:
Richmond, represented by Sam Tovey, pleaded not guilty arguing the incident was not rough conduct as it was “a legitimate attempt to spoil”.
Should that fail they argue the impact grading should be low rather than medium.
Baker argued he was first trying to mark or spoil the ball, then realised he could only spoil, an intention he maintained throughout the process.
“I never braced, I was always spoiling the ball,” he argued.
Baker said Melican spilling the ball down to his lap caused him to miss spoiling it with his right arm.
“I think my right hand would’ve spoiled the ball before the umpire paid the mark, if he had been clean,” Baker said.
The AFL argued “the central question here is whether this action was unreasonable in the circumstances” and that once the spoil became impossible Baker elected to bump.
“His eyes are initially on the ball but from a number of different angles you see his eyes drop towards Melican,” Andrew Woods said for the AFL.
“A medium grading is appropriate because it was an inherently dangerous action.”
If the Tribunal did not agree Baker elected to bump, the AFL argued it was still an unreasonable way to contest the ball because he was late, suggesting he could have not left the ground or opened his arms.
“If this was an attempt to bump, it was an extraordinarily poor and ineffective one,” Tovey said.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/richmond-tigers/afl-tribunal-live-updates-news-2024-richmond-to-challenge-suspension-handed-to-liam-baker-for-bump-on-sydney-defender-lewis-melican/news-story/4e8f05c0de8af7bef1c92f7ed3ae1afc
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The Tribunal's reasons for upholding the suspension:
We find on the evidence that Baker was attempting to spoil the ball. However, the vision and stills capture an unrealistic and therefore unreasonable attempt to spoil.
It was unrealistic because it was very late.
Melican had his hands on the ball well before Baker used his right arm to try to spoil the ball.
This unrealistic attempt to spoil the ball resulted in forceful high contact to Melican.
For the reasons given, we find Baker did engage in rough conduct and that his conduct was careless.
We consider there was real potential to cause Melican injury. Baker was moving at speed, he propelled himself into the air, vision shows forceful high content and it's clear from the vision that Melican was affected by the contact.
We consider impact was appropriately classified as medium.
https://go.arena.im/live/fox-sports-australia/5yrX80Y?v=2
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I think it could have been far worse
The world is absolutely fried as we knew it
Take the week and move on
Agree Damo
Agree or not, like it or not as I posted on the other thread HQ has made it very clear you leave the ground and make contact you are goneskis
Agree. Was not worth appealing. Had no chance of success.
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lOL 195CM 97KG Melican and they ping just about the shortest bloke in the comp for jumping into the air to spoil what the stuff did they expect him to do just run into his knees.
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It appears the bar to satisfy medium impact is very low. It only needs to be affected by contact.
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From Barrett's Sliding Doors column.
(https://resources.afl.com.au/photo-resources/2020/11/17/8a4c2df0-2497-41a0-85ac-8cab8feed48a/richmond.jpg?width=1511)
IF ...
it's not the norm for a club to offer its captaincy role as part of contract negotiations ...
THEN ...
in Richmond's case, doing so to Liam Baker would be worthy of deep consideration. He'd be really, really good at it. And he wants it, too.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1100034/sliding-doors-if-this-is-going-to-sound-harsh-about-max-king-then
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Leading contender for in-demand Richmond gun revealed
Multiple rivals are said to be circling the premiership Tiger.
Mitch Keating
zerohanger.com
April 13, 2024
Fremantle is reportedly ahead of West Coast in the race for an off-contract Tiger. However, Richmond remains viewed as the most likely landing spot for the in-demand Western Australian for 2025 and beyond.
Both the Dockers and Eagles have been tied to premiership Tiger Liam Baker, who remains unsigned beyond this year.
The Pingaring product gained interest from both WA clubs two years ago before recommitting at Punt Road, with intrigue from his home state renewed ahead of another contract call.
Baker has delayed discussions on his future early into the new season as he places a focus on his form, with the 26-year-old set to return from a one-game suspension this weekend when the Tigers face the Eagles in Perth on Sunday.
As West Coast potentially look to pry Baker back home, the Eagles are said to be third in the queue for the Tigers utility, who is viewed to be more likely to remain in the yellow and black than seek a switch across the Nullabor.
According to Triple M's Ryan Daniels, Fremantle are seen as the leading club for Baker between the two Western Australian sides.
The Dockers are loaded with a trio of first-round picks for this year's draft alone, with the Cockburn club joining the Eagles in being "very, very interested" in Baker's services.
"Liam Baker is exactly the type of player you want, no matter where your club is at. If you're West Coast and you're trying to develop some toughness, versatility and winning culture... that's Liam Baker," Daniels said on Xav and Michelle.
"It doesn't matter where your club is at, that's why every club is lining up to get a shot at Liam Baker. Richmond are absolutely desperate to re-sign him, he's having a really good season.
"West Coast and Fremantle are very, very interested. I would say Richmond is leading the race, because it is hard to pry someone away. He's going to command a lot.
"I would rank it that Richmond are cleary ahead, then I'd say Fremantle are next. He would fit in very well at Freo. They have the draft capital to get him, and I know West Coast are interested too.
"He met with both of those clubs two years ago and ended up staying at Richmond. In three weeks they're all going to sit down and Liam Baker is going to figure out what he's going to do."
https://www.zerohanger.com/leading-contender-for-in-demand-richmond-gun-revealed-afl-trade-news-149418/
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For lack of a better word, pretty proud to see the amount of interest bakes is getting. He’s a 173cm rookie pick, he played in 2 flags and now the WA clubs if not more are frothing over him.
Hope he stays, however if he leaves, seems like we’ll be atleast getting a good pick back.
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The bidding war for Richmond’s fabulous Baker boy
Jake Niall
The Age
April 14, 2024
Liam Baker met with both West Coast and Fremantle in 2022, before he decided to remain with Richmond, where he had played in premierships in 2019 and 2020.
West Coast were the stronger suitor then, even though an improved Fremantle played finals that year while the Eagles were in the early phase of a scorched earth recession that has not abated.
Baker, weighing up his options as judiciously as he does on the field, just couldn’t leave Tigerland. Loyalty to teammates and comfort in the Richmond environment prevailed.
But in an era when top-shelf players are routinely given seven- and eight-year deals – long enough to see off a few prime ministers and Carlton coaches – Baker signed only for two seasons. He had the currency to secure a five-year contract if he wished.
So, he kept his options open.
In 2024, Baker has another call to make on whether he wishes to remain at Richmond or return to his home state of Western Australia, for family, friends and farm (Baker, like Fremantle champion, Nat Fyfe hails from Lake Grace).
There are a few considerations in Baker’s call.
The first one will be personal. Does he want to go home?
Then, if he decides to leave Melbourne, the decision turns to which of West Coast or Fremantle is the better choice. We can safely assume that the Eagles and Dockers will both want him if he’s available.
Staying, of course, means sticking with the club that overlooked his lack of height (173 centimetres) and the fact that they had an abundance of small forwards then (Jack Higgins and Dan Butler were then at Richmond, Daniel Rioli was still a forward), Baker having been drafted primarily as a forward. The Tigers felt then that he was simply too good to bypass.
It’s possible that one of the WA teams will want him more than the other. The Eagles certainly need mid-20s players more acutely than Fremantle, given their dismal state.
Conversely, Baker and his management might prefer the Dockers, who are the length of the Nullarbor ahead of their local rivals on the scale of premiership proximity.
Here’s summary of the options before Baker, who, as a seventh-year player, is not a free agent.
1. Stay at Richmond
This remains the easiest call to make. Richmond is his football home, the club that has nurtured and helped forge his career; it is also a powerful club, replete with history and seasoned, highly capable people at the helm, despite Damien Hardwick’s exit.
Baker is not likely to decide until the back half of the season, from what one can gather from people who know Baker’s situation. This should not necessarily be read as a portent of an exit, since he waited until late 2022 before re-signing.
This extra time allows him to see how the revamped coaching panel, headed by Adem Yze, operates and where the club is headed. Yze has praised Baker and made clear that he really wants him around, as the Tigers attempt to rise again with a mix of seasoned players and new kids.
There’s another potentially large carrot: the captaincy.
Toby Nankervis, now a standalone skipper, is 30 in August. Baker is a vice captain and one of the lead candidates to take over.
Should Baker stick with the Tigers, it would make sense to sign a long-term deal and secure his financial future.
2. West Coast
The Eagles, doubtless, would offer Baker an attractive contract and the prospect of a leadership role at a club he followed in his youth. They can offer him a vision of a power club’s restoration, which, admittedly, will take some years.
The new list manager at West Coast, Matty Clarke, was recruiting manager at Richmond until a few weeks ago and was part of the team that drafted Baker. The new chief executive, Don Pyke, has exceptional football acumen and a mandate to remake the club.
And while players always want to win finals and flags, Baker has played in two premierships, and could be ready for a lifestyle change that revolves around family and friends in WA.
The slows on West Coast are a) the sheer scale of the list reconstruction ahead, and b), the uncertainty around the senior coach, Adam Simpson and his allies.
It is hard to see Simpson surviving beyond his contract, which runs until the end of 2025, and he could well be leaving at the end of this season, given he barely survived 2023.
West Coast cannot sacrifice a first-round pick for Baker, considering their probable ladder position this year and next. If they’re on the bottom (a win on Sunday afternoon against the depleted Tigers would make that slightly less likely), they could use the pre-season draft as a lever to snare Baker or another player, with minimal draft cost. Under the rules, he can simply walk via the pre-season draft.
There’s little chance, however, that Baker will dud the Tigers by taking the pre-season draft path. More likely, Richmond would have to settle for an end-of-first-round – the Eagles surely will seek a priority pick as North did – or a second-round choice. Or something.
3. Fremantle
Should Baker decide to leave, the Dockers must be seriously considered – again, assuming they’re keen. On most counts, they have more to offer than West Coast.
First, they’ve steadily built a formidable young playing list, headed by Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw, Luke Jackson and Hayden Young, and should be near contention from 2025 for a period of years.
Justin Longmuir looked shaky at the end of 2023, but the Dockers’ hierarchy has backed him – and he should be right for a couple more years minimum. Fremantle’s regime appears stable.
Importantly, Fremantle have the draft capital to consummate a trade, without much fancy footwork or angst. The Dockers have three first-rounders this year – Collingwood’s (Lachie Schultz), Port Adelaide’s and their own. Baker is worth one first-round choice, outside the top 10. He falls into the good rather than great player category.
Baker’s choice is hardly comparable to that faced by Chris Judd, Lance Franklin or Jeremy Cameron. But, with shallow talent spread across 18 clubs and the Tassie Devils about to eviscerate the drafts, the former rookie lister has picked a good time to be up for grabs.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/the-bidding-war-for-richmond-s-fabulous-baker-boy-20240412-p5fjiy.html
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RIVAL CLUB READY TO “WALK OVER BROKEN GLASS” TO LURE LIAM BAKER IN TRADE PITCH
By Lachlan Geleit
SEN
19 April 2024
Respected footy journalist Peter Vlahos has learned details of Fremantle’s pitch to attract out-of-contract Richmond utility Liam Baker to the club this off-season.
Baker, who hails from Perth, has long been a reported target for West Coast but recent reports have suggested Fremantle are also very keen on his services.
The 26-year-old has won two premierships across his 115 games for the Tigers but recently bought a multi-million-dollar property on Perth’s waterfront.
Vlahos says that Baker is on the top of the Dockers’ shopping list and that the club has offered a deal of up to five years to the player and his management.
“Liam Baker, who we saw last week play for Richmond against the Eagles, I believe that Fremantle are making a serious pitch to get him to the land of the purple,” Vlahos said on SEN Sportsday WA.
“To the point of view that the 26-year-old is right at the top of the Fremantle Dockers’ shopping list.
“They’re keen to get a ready-made replacement for possibly when Nat Fyfe calls it time.
“They are prepared and they’ve offered Liam Baker’s management an extended contract option of up to about five years I’m hearing.”
While Fremantle are chasing Baker hard, Vlahos doesn’t expect the Eagles to simply lie down and let their rivals get the inside run in hopes of luring him to their club.
He does expect the Dockers to continue ramping up their approach though and says that Fremantle are hellbent and prepared to do whatever it takes to get him in a purple jumper.
“But on the other hand, the West Coast Eagles aren’t just going to lie down and play dead,” Vlahos said.
“They too also are pretty keen to explore the possibility of Liam Baker as well.
“That’s some news that I picked up this morning that the Fremantle Dockers are hellbent to walk over broken glass if possible to get Liam Baker to the Dockers next season.
“That’s to bolster their midfield as Nat Fyfe looks to exit from that position in the not-too-distant future.”
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2024/04/18/newly-linked-club-ready-to-walk-over-broken-glass-to-lure-liam-baker-in/
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Richmond’s ‘next captain’ Liam Baker to be tempted west with huge AFL contract
The club is ‘walking over broken glass’ to seal the deal but a ‘ruthless’ act could stop it from happening.
Cameron Noakes
7news
19 April 2024
A crisis is engulfing Richmond as the race heats up for out-of-contract AFL star Liam Baker.
Former Richmond premiership captain Trent Cotchin thrust Baker’s future on the agenda during Channel 7’s Talking Footy, saying Baker and champion Dustin Martin might not be at Punt Road Oval next year.
“The (dollar) numbers that I’m hearing from the west (for Baker) are pretty significant,” Cotchin said on Wednesday night.
7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary said on Friday that Baker — who is the Tigers vice-captain — would have to turn down more money if he was going to stay at Richmond next year and beyond.
Cleary also clarified Cotchin’s comments around Martin, saying the suggestion was “maybe more around him retiring” rather than playing at another club.
“As for Liam Baker, this is fascinating,” Cleary said on radio station SEN.
“He is going to have to knock back more money to stay at the Tigers.
“There are going to be big offers coming from the west from Fremantle and West Coast (and) I’m of the view that Fremantle is well ahead in the race.”
Cleary said the Dockers also had three first-round draft picks that could be used in the deal for Baker.
“So right now as it sits, I know it’s early, but they’ve got (pick) six, 12 and 16 on the first-round pick calculations ... whereas the Eagles will (likely) have a pick in the top two depending on where they finish at the end of the season,” Cleary said.
“The Dockers are going to try and offload their picks. They’re in the race for (Sydney forward) Logan McDonald, does he stay at the Swans? Maybe, but they’re going to look at Liam Baker, too.
“You’d think (the Eagles) need to take (their) picks to the draft to try and top up on young talent as opposed to going for a 26-year-old like Liam Baker.
“The only other layer to this is (West Coast) could push Liam Baker to the pre-season draft and not give up any trade capital.
“But clubs are rare in doing that these days. And the new list manager of the Eagles, Matt Clarke, spent a long time at the Tigers and I couldn’t see that happening given relationships in footy.
“But if the Eagles want to get ruthless, that option is there to push him through and not give up a single draft pick for Liam Baker.”
Baker is also likely to be offered a big-money deal as the salary cap is about to explode for each club, up from just over $13.5 million to nearly $18 million.
And last month it emerged that he had already bought a multimillion-dollar riverside home in Perth.
“Right now there were 60 players who earnt more than $800,000 last year, and given the salary cap rise ... that number is going to be more than 60 players earning more than a million dollars in two or three years,” Cleary said.
“It is extraordinary .... (Baker is probably worth) around 900 (thousand a year) on the open market. Is he in your top 60 players in the comp in three years? I’d have him around that borderline.
“But he’s a pretty important player. He offers more than just his onfield (talent) and talk at Richmond is that he could be the next captain after Toby Nankervis.”
https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/richmonds-next-captain-liam-baker-to-be-tempted-west-with-huge-afl-contract-c-14367695
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"I think the Adelaide Crows absolutely should take a swing at Liam Baker and put him in the guts...he fits perfectly in this team" - Cam Luke.
Outside of the West Australian clubs, which teams should try and prise Liam Baker out of Richmond? #ArmchairExperts
VIDEO: https://twitter.com/7AFL/status/1781323389463875721