Liam Baker [merged]

[Slipper]

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.

[Diocletian]

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...

[Darth Tiger]

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

[Tiger Khosh]

^rubbish

[Andyy]

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 .

[Owl]

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?

[Andyy]

I think he's 2nd year? First proper run of games though...

[taztiger4]

https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-08-02/liam-baker-signs-on

[Andyy]

This is excellent news! Very happy

[WilliamPowell]

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?

[mightytiges]

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?

[big tone]

Really awesome news!

Love this kid.

And the more of these kids we sign the less chance Bellis gets another contract.

[one-eyed]

https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/2019-08-14/baker-on-embracing-his-new-role

[one-eyed]

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

[the claw]

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.