WA regional players primed for Richmond Tigers in AFL grand finalABC Great Southern
By John Dobson and Peter Barr
21 October 2020Richmond could field five players born in regional WA in this Saturday's AFL grand final against Geelong.
Key points:- Five regional WA players could line up in Richmond's grand final side
- Pingaring's Liam Baker says players are looking forward to returning to WA
- Geelong could also field three WA players
The club boasts a wealth of regional WA talent from across the Great Southern, South West and Wheatbelt regions.
Kamdyn McIntosh (Pinjarra),
Liam Baker (Pingaring),
Shai Bolton (Katanning),
Marlion Pickett (Manjimup), and
Nathan Broad (Wubin) are all expected to be named after playing in Friday's preliminary final win over Port Adelaide.
Baker, who has played 41 matches for Richmond since being drafted in 2018, said the WA players were close.
"We've got a little group within a group, with all the boys who come out of WA — most are country boys as well," he said.
"We get a lot of love from West Australians. We're all excited about it and can't wait to get back home."
Baker said the bond was particularly strong this year, given players were not able to travel home or have family visit due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"I'm away from most of my family and friends generally, but it's been a bit different as I can't go over or they can't come over at the moment," he said.
"It's been a bit tough.
"My family are all back home on the farm in Pingaring. They'll be watching the game from there.
"I'll be wrapped when I can get home."
Geelong also has a WA tinge with veteran defender and Northampton-product Harry Taylor a key defender and Perth-born Mitch Duncan and Sam Menegola lining up in the middle.
The club has strong historic links to WA with the likes of Polly Farmer and Mark Bairstow donning the blue and white hoops last century.
Business as usual for TigersBaker said Richmond were enjoying the week of preparations ahead of the final.
"We're all about enjoying the week. It's not easy to get to a grand final," he said.
"It's not easy to get to one, it could be your last, so we'll be enjoying it."
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-21/wa-flavour-for-grand-final-bound-richmond-tigers/12795426
