Liam Baker [merged]

[Tiger Khosh]

 

[WilliamPowell]

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

[eliminator]

Really good news.

[Andyy]

Excellent result. Future captain IMHO

I like this idea

[mightytiges]

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.

[FooffooValve]

Love his left foot.

[one-eyed]

Bakes just named most courageous player by the AFLPA.





https://twitter.com/triplemfooty/status/1562388636704047107

[one-eyed]

https://twitter.com/Richmond_FC/status/1562388204724305920

---------------------------------------------------------

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/

[Darth Tiger]

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.

[Andyy]

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.

[Damo]

According to Claw he’s on thin ice

LMAO

[WilliamPowell]

Ii have said this many times

I was so wrong about this bloke. Humble pie from me too

Well done Bakes   

[Andyy]

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?

[mightytiges]

Well deserved Bakes! Absolutely insane courage at times .

[Tiger Khosh]

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.