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Liam Baker (born 27 January 1998) is a professional Australian rules footballer playing for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). He played junior representative football with West Perth in the WAFL and represented Western Australia at national championships at under 18 level. After being undrafted in 2016, Baker then played senior WAFL football with Subiaco. Baker was drafted by Richmond in the 2018 rookie draft and made his AFL debut in round 19, 2018. He was an AFL premiership player with Richmond in 2019 and 2020, and in 2020 was named to the AFL's 22Under22 team, recognising the best young players in the league.

Key Information

Early life, junior and state-league football

[edit]

Baker grew up on a wheat and sheep farm in Pingaring, Western Australia, a town 341 kilometres (212 mi) east of Perth.[2][3] He took up junior football with the semi-local Lake Grace-Pingrup Football Club in the Ongerup Football Association, traveling more than 60 kilometres (37 mi) to do so.[4] In 2014 he received the best and fairest award for the Great Southern Colts carnival that June.[5]

He later played representative football in Perth as a junior with the colts program of WAFL club West Perth.[6] While in Perth he attended high school at Aquinas College.[7] In 2016 Baker represented Western Australia at the 2016 AFL Under 18 Championships.[8] There he averaged 17.7 disposals and a goal per game across three matches.[9] Following that season Baker was one of just 12 Western Australians and 80 young players across the country to be invited to the national draft combine in Melbourne in October.[10][11] At the combine he placed equal-second overall in the goal-kicking test and seventh in the endurance running beep test.[12][13][14] Baker was passed over in national, pre-season and rookie drafts that year, before making a switch to play senior football with rival WAFL club Subiaco in 2017.[15]

At the time he recognised the need to improve physically, citing poor sprint testing at the national combine as a factor in his failure to be drafted.[6] In addition, he worked on improving his inconsistent kicking caused by a bad ball-drop technique and a lack of positional versatility that saw him play exclusively as an inside midfielder.[6] Improvements in these areas saw Baker break into the club's senior side while playing predominantly as a small forward.[6] In just his second senior match he played a key role with three goals in a win over Swan Districts.[16] In his side's preliminary final Baker also contributed three goals.[17] He played a total of 13 matches at senior level including a "shining" performance in Subiaco's losing grand final in which he recorded 19 disposals, six inside-50s and five tackles.[18] Baker kicked 19 goals that season and held averages of 16 disposals and three tackles per game.[6] At the state draft combine that year he placed third in the endurance running yo-yo test.[19] Despite his efforts Baker was again undrafted in that year's national and pre-season drafts.[20]

Junior statistics

[edit]
Legend
  G  
 Goals
  K  
 Kicks
  D  
 Disposals 
  T  
 Tackles
  B  
 Behinds 
  H  
 Handballs 
  M  
 Marks

Under 18 National Championships

Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game)
G B K H D M T G B K H D M T
2016 Western Australia 2 3 3 — 32 21 52 14 8 1.0 — 10.7 7.0 17.3 4.7 2.7
Career 3 3 — 32 21 52 14 8 1.0 — 10.7 7.0 17.3 4.7 2.7

AFL career

[edit]
Baker with Richmond's VFL team in March 2018

2018 season

[edit]

Baker was drafted by Richmond with the club's first pick and the 18th selection overall in the 2018 AFL rookie draft in November 2017.[21]

He made his first appearance for the club in a series of AFLX exhibition matches in February 2018.[22] Baker did not play in any of the club's pre-season matches however, nor did he earn senior selection in the early part of the home and away season.[23] Instead, he spent the beginning of his debut year developing with the club's reserves side in the VFL.[24] Baker's first starring performance at that level came in a midfield role in early May, when he recorded 24 disposals and four clearances against Footscray.[25] The following week he added another 23 disposals and a goal in a win over the North Melbourne reserves.[26] By early July Baker came into contention for senior selection and even traveled with the team to Sydney as an emergency in round 17.[27][28] The following week he was played in a forward-line role at the lower level and recorded 19 disposals along with an equal-game high three goals.[29][30] Baker earned an AFL debut on the back of the performance, turning in 12 disposals, five score involvements and two behinds in his side's round 19 win over Collingwood at the MCG.[31][32][33] He held his senior spot the following week, adding 14 disposals and another two behinds before being omitted from the club's round 21 side to face Gold Coast.[23][34][35] He earned a third match in four weeks though when he was immediately recalled for the club's round 22 match against Essendon.[36] There he kicked his first career goal but managed only a season-low eight disposals.[37] A second senior omission followed, with Baker confined to VFL football for the remainder of the year.[38][39] In the club's first VFL final he turned in a lively performance, recording 21 disposals in a qualifying final loss to Williamstown.[40] Baker was cited for rough contact in that match however, after he bumped Williamstown defender Peter Faulks underneath a marking contest.[41][42] He accepted a one match suspension for the act and subsequently missed the club's losing semi-final against Essendon that saw the VFL side eliminated from the finals series.[43][42] Baker finished the year having kicked one goal in three games at senior level while also kicking 13 goals in 14 games with the reserves side in the VFL.[44][23]

2019 season

[edit]
Baker during the pre-game warm up in round 10, 2019

After signing a contract extension to remain at Richmond on a rookie contract in 2019, Baker started the year in contention for senior selection with appearances in each of the club's two pre-season matches.[45][46][47] He could not earn AFL selection come the start of the home and away season however, instead starting his season with practice matches with the club's reserves side in the VFL.[48] Baker was a travelling emergency in round 3 of the AFL season, before injuries to Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin saw him earn selection for the club's round 4 match against Port Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval.[49][50][51] He kicked a goal and recorded 17 disposals in that win, before setting a new career-best with 21 disposals in a dual role as a midfielder and a forward the following week against Sydney.[52][53][54] Baker's run of form continued when he was among his side's best in round 6, tallying 19 disposals along with two goals.[55] At that point he was statistically the club's number one ranked player for chasing and corralling that season.[56] In the marquee Dreamtime at the 'G match in round 10, Baker set new career bests with 24 disposals, nine tackles and five inside-50s and received a nomination for Mark of the Year for a diving mark while running with the flight of the ball.[3][57] For that performance he also received a nomination for the league's Rising Star award.[57] Baker went goalless over the following three matches, seeing him dropped back to VFL level in the last week of June.[23][58] He was named an AFL emergency that week and played well as a forward in the lower league with 18 disposals and one goal.[59][60] Baker was moved into a backline role in the VFL the following week after a teammate suffered an injury mid-match.[61] He was exceptional as a defender, collecting a match-high 29 disposals along with eight marks and six tackles in what the club website labelled his best performance at any level in his two seasons at the club.[62] Following another strong output as a VFL defender with 21 disposals the next week, Baker was recalled to AFL level for round 18 where he had a game-high nine intercepts and recorded 20 disposals in a win over Port Adelaide.[63][64][65][66] He held his spot over the final five matches of the home and away season before contributing 16 disposals in a qualifying final victory over the Brisbane Lions at The Gabba[23][67] In a home preliminary final against Geelong a fortnight later, Baker matched up with opposition forward Gryan Miers while recording 18 disposals as Richmond won through to a grand final match up against Greater Western Sydney.[68][69] In the grand final, Baker was part of the Richmond defence that kept the Giants to 25 points, their lowest score in the club's eight-year history and the lowest score by any team in a VFL/AFL grand final since 1960.[70] He recorded 12 disposals and spent parts of the match defending Giants forwards Brent Daniels and Toby Greene, both of whom went goalless for the match.[71][72] Along with winning the AFL premiership, Baker finished the 2019 season by placing ninth in the final tally for the AFL Rising Star award and equal 13th in the club's best and fairest count.[73][74]

2020 season

[edit]

Baker switched guernsey numbers in the 2019/20 off-season, taking the number seven from departing forward Dan Butler as well as receiving a Richmond life membership for his part in the previous season's premiership.[75][76] After initially being named by AFL Media as a candidate to fall out of the club's best 22, the mid-December retirement of fellow defender Alex Rance saw Baker increasingly likely to retain his spot in the Richmond backline.[77][78] Despite this opportunity opening up, Baker instead spent the summer months training in the wing position opened up by the free agent departure of Brandon Ellis.[79] He starred in that position during the pre-season series, including with a team-high 30 disposals in a practice match loss to Collingwood.[80][81] Baker recorded 16 disposals in a round 1 win over Carlton when the home and away season began, but under extraordinary conditions imposed on the league as a result of the rapid progression of the coronavirus pandemic into Australia.[82][83][84][85] In what the league planned would be the first of a reduced 17-round season, the match was played without crowds in attendance due to public health prohibitions on large gatherings and with quarter lengths reduced by one fifth in order to reduce the physical load on players who would be expected to play multiple matches with short breaks in the second half of the year.[86][87] Just three days later, the AFL Commission suspended the season for an indefinite period after multiple states enforced quarantine conditions on their borders that effectively ruled out the possibility of continuing the season as planned.[88][89] Baker contributed 12 disposals when the season resumed in June after an 11-week hiatus, before missing round 3's match against Hawthorn to attend a funeral in his home state of Western Australia.[23][90][91] He returned for the club's round 4 loss to St Kilda and remained in the senior side through round 6, when it was relocated to the Gold Coast in response to a virus outbreak in Melbourne.[92][93] He earned a career-first Brownlow Medal vote in round 6's win over Sydney, and contributed an equal game-high six intercepts in round 8's loss to Greater Western Sydney, after which he ranked equal-second among all defenders in the league for fewest goals conceded to direct opponents so far that season (two).[23][94][95] He contributed a best on ground performance in round 10, earning nine coaches association award votes for 580 metres gained and a then-career-high 26 disposals.[96][97] Baker earned another two coaches votes for 16 disposals in round 13's Dreamtime in Darwin win over Essendon.[98][99] At the end of the regular season, Baker earned selection to the 22under22 team, recognising the league's best young players.[100][101] In addition, he was Richmond's nomination to the league Most Courageous player category at the AFL Players' Association awards.[102] Baker kicked his only goal of the year in the opening match of the club's finals campaign, a qualifying final loss to the Brisbane Lions.[103] He was among Richmond's best players in a semi-final win over St Kilda the following week, adding 19 disposals and an equal team-high six intercepts.[104][105] Baker bested the latter of those stats in the preliminary final win over Port Adelaide, recording eight intercept possessions to help his side through to another Grand Final.[106] He became a two-time premiership player the following week, playing what AFL Media described as "an excellent game" with 14 disposals and four inside-50s in a 31-point victory over Geelong.[107][108][109] After a season in which he played 20 of a possible 21 games and won another premiership medal, Baker also placed sixth in the club's best and fairest award.[110]

2021 season

[edit]

After an uninterrupted pre-season training period, Baker played in Richmond's one unofficial and one official pre-season match in late-February and early-March before recording 15 disposals in the club's round 1 win over Carlton.[23][111][112] Despite recording 27 disposals and being named by AFL Media as one of his side's best player while in defence the week prior, Baker was shifted to half forward from round 6 in replacement for the injured Kane Lambert.[23][113][114][115] Baker played in his 50th career match in round 8's loss to Geelong, before the next week being named as a full-time midfielder in light of injuries to Shane Edwards, Shai Bolton, Trent Cotchin and Dion Prestia.[116][117][118] He was outstanding in the role, recording career-highs in disposals (33), inside-50s (nine) and clearances (seven) to earn eight coaches votes as second-best on ground during the comeback win over Greater Western Sydney.[119][120][121][122] At the midpoint of the season, Baker was named by both AFL Media and 1116 SEN as a potential winner of the club's best and fairest award.[123][124]

Move to West Coast

[edit]

Following the 2024 AFL season, Baker requested a move back to his home state of Western Australia, later naming West Coast as his club of choice.[125][126] Baker was traded on 15 October, joining teammate Jack Graham in moving from Richmond to West Coast.[127]

Player profile

[edit]

Baker is a versatile small utility player, playing the 2021 season primarily as a half-forward, with stints at half-back and in the midfield, after winning two premierships as rebounding half-back and a small defender.[128][129] He played as a small forward in his debut year and as a half forward, small forward and a wing in the first half of his second season in 2019.[30][130] When playing on the defensive line in the later part of 2019 he was tasked with rebounding out of defensive 50.[131] He has been noted for his corralling and tackle pressure while he is also acclaimed for taking clean possession of ground balls and rarely fumbling.[132]

During the 2021 season, Baker ranked eighth on 1116 SEN's reranking of the 2017 national and rookie drafts.[133]

Statistics

[edit]

Updated to the end of the 2025 season.[23]

Legend
  G  
 Goals
  K  
 Kicks
  D  
 Disposals 
  T  
 Tackles
  B  
 Behinds 
  H  
 Handballs 
  M  
 Marks
Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game) Votes
G B K H D M T G B K H D M T
2018 Richmond 48 3 1 4 15 19 34 4 4 0.3 1.3 5.0 6.3 11.3 1.3 1.3 0
2019# Richmond 48 19 8 10 166 155 321 63 61 0.4 0.5 8.7 8.2 16.9 3.3 3.2 0
2020#[a] Richmond 7 20 1 1 166 131 297 73 39 0.1 0.1 8.3 6.6 14.9 3.7 2.0 3
2021 Richmond 7 22 7 8 238 208 446 88 61 0.3 0.4 10.8 9.5 20.3 4.0 2.8 1
2022 Richmond 7 23 11 7 245 195 440 84 52 0.4 0.3 10.6 8.5 19.1 3.6 2.2 6
2023 Richmond 7 23 12 14 258 180 438 85 51 0.5 0.6 11.2 7.8 19.0 3.7 2.2 3
2024 Richmond 7 18 14 13 207 151 358 60 69 0.8 0.7 11.5 8.4 19.9 3.3 3.8 0
2025 West Coast 3 23 5 5 259 249 508 84 84 0.2 0.2 11.3 10.8 22.1 3.7 3.7 2
Career 151 59 62 1554 1288 2842 541 421 0.4 0.4 10.3 8.5 18.8 3.6 2.8 15

Notes

  1. ^ The 2020 season was played with 17 home-and-away matches per team (down from 22) and 16-minute quarters with time on (down from 20-minute quarters with time on) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Honours and achievements

[edit]

Team

Individual

Personal life

[edit]

Outside of football Baker has worked part-time as a carpenter's apprentice and studied a carpentry course at TAFE.[134]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Liam Baker

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Liam Baker (born 27 January 1998) is a professional Australian rules footballer who plays as a defender and midfielder for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL).[1] Originally from Lake Grace, Western Australia, Baker was drafted by the Richmond Football Club with pick 18 in the 2018 rookie draft after playing for West Perth and Subiaco in the WAFL.[1] He made his AFL debut in round 19 of the 2018 season and went on to play 128 games for Richmond, including appearances in their premiership-winning teams in 2019 and 2020.[1] During his time at Richmond, Baker earned recognition as an AFLPA Most Courageous Player in 2022, finished equal second in the club's best and fairest in 2021, and was nominated for the NAB AFL Rising Star in 2019.[1] In October 2024, Baker was traded to his home-state club, the West Coast Eagles, signing a five-year contract and fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing for the team he supported as a child.[2] In his debut season with West Coast in 2025, Baker excelled, winning the club's John Worsfold Medal as the best and fairest player despite the team's challenging one-win campaign.[3] Known for his toughness, hunger for the contest, and consistent ball-winning ability, Baker has averaged around 20 disposals per game in recent seasons and remains a key leader for the Eagles.[4]

Early life and junior career

Early life

Liam Baker was born on 27 January 1998 in Lake Grace, Western Australia. He grew up on his family's wheat and sheep farm in the rural town of Pingaring, located approximately 340 kilometres east of Perth and about 50 kilometres north of Lake Grace, in a region characterised by outback farming communities with a population of fewer than 600 residents.[5][6][7] From a young age, Baker developed an interest in Australian rules football, beginning his junior involvement with the semi-rural Lake Grace-Pingrup Football Club in the Ongerup Football Association, where he honed his skills in a low-key environment far from major urban centres.[8][9] To advance his football prospects and education, Baker relocated to Perth during his high school years, becoming a boarder at Aquinas College starting from Year 8, which allowed him greater access to competitive development pathways while completing his secondary schooling.[7][10]

Junior and state-league football

Baker began his junior football career in the local Lake Grace-Pingrup Football Club, participating in Auskick programs before progressing to under-12s and higher junior levels there.[11] He later relocated to Perth for schooling at Aquinas College, where he continued developing his skills in a more competitive environment.[12] In Perth, Baker joined the colts (under-18) program of West Australian Football League (WAFL) club West Perth in 2016, playing as a dynamic small forward known for his speed and goal sense.[4] During that season, he averaged high disposal counts in the colts competition, showcasing his ability to accumulate possessions and contribute to forward pressure.[13] His performances earned him selection for Western Australia's under-18 team at the 2016 AFL National Championships, where he represented his state against other underage squads, helping to highlight his potential despite not being drafted that year.[14] Following the 2016 draft, Baker transitioned to senior state-league football with Subiaco in the WAFL for the 2017 season, shifting from West Perth to gain more senior exposure as a midfielder-forward.[15] In 13 league games, he kicked 19 goals, including a five-goal haul in his third senior match, while averaging around 16 disposals and four tackles per game, demonstrating his versatility and pressure-applying style.[16] These efforts solidified his reputation as a damaging small forward capable of influencing games at the state level, ultimately leading to his selection by Richmond in the 2018 AFL rookie draft.[4]

Draft and recruitment

Baker initially entered the AFL system after a standout junior career in Western Australia, where he played for Lake Grace-Pingrup before progressing to West Perth in the WAFL Colts in 2016.[4] That year, he represented Western Australia at the under-18 national championships and attended the AFL Draft Combine, but was overlooked in the main 2016 AFL Draft due to subpar performances in sprint testing and kicking accuracy, as identified through feedback from recruiters.[17] Motivated by the setback, Baker transferred to Subiaco in the WAFL for the 2017 season, where he adapted to a pressure small-forward role and broke into the senior side.[17] In 13 senior games for Subiaco, including their grand final loss, Baker averaged 16 disposals, four tackles, and kicked 19 goals, demonstrating improved explosiveness with a 3.03-second 20-meter sprint time and strong endurance.[17] At the 2017 WA State Draft Combine, he ranked third in the agility test and achieved a level 21.5 beep test result, enhancing his draft stock.[17][18] Subiaco coach Jarrad Schofield praised Baker's tenacity, competitiveness, and versatility as a forward-midfielder, recommending him highly to AFL clubs.[17] Richmond selected Baker with their first and only pick, number 18 overall, in the 2018 AFL Rookie Draft on 26 November 2017, recruiting him as a 175 cm forward-midfielder noted for his elite crumbing ability and defensive pressure.[5] He spent his first two seasons on Richmond's rookie list, playing reserves football and developing his skills, before being elevated to the senior list via the 2020 NAB AFL Rookie Elevation in the mid-season draft, which allowed clubs to promote existing rookies without using a national draft pick.[1] This elevation solidified his pathway to AFL opportunities, leading to his debut later that year.[1]

AFL career

Richmond Tigers career (2018–2024)

Liam Baker was selected by Richmond with pick No. 18 in the 2018 AFL Rookie Draft after playing for West Perth and Subiaco in the WAFL.[1] He made his senior debut in Round 19 of the 2018 season against Collingwood at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, coming on as the substitute in a match Richmond won by 28 points.[19][20] Primarily used as a versatile small forward and midfielder early in his career, Baker spent much of his debut year developing at VFL level with Richmond's reserves side before earning a permanent spot in the senior team the following season.[21] Baker's breakthrough came in 2019 when he established himself as a key contributor in Richmond's premiership-winning campaign, playing 19 games and earning a nomination for the NAB AFL Rising Star award after a standout performance against Essendon in Round 10, where he recorded 24 disposals and nine tackles.[1][22] He featured in the Grand Final victory over Greater Western Sydney, contributing to the Tigers' 89-point win and becoming part of an exclusive club as a dual premiership player by 2020.[23] In the shortened 2020 season, Baker adapted to a defensive role amid injuries to key players, playing all 20 games including the Grand Final against Geelong, where he wore the No. 7 guernsey and helped secure Richmond's third flag in four years.[21] His toughness and willingness to fill multiple positions—forward, midfield, and back—became hallmarks of his game, earning him life membership at the club after reaching 100 games by 2023.[1] Following the premierships, Baker continued to evolve, finishing equal second in Richmond's best and fairest count in 2021 with an average of 20.3 disposals per game while playing primarily as a half-back.[24] He won the AFL Players' Association Most Courageous Player award in 2022 for his relentless contesting and pressure acts, recording 52 tackles across 23 games.[1][25] By 2023, Baker shifted forward more frequently, kicking 12 goals in 23 appearances and placing sixth in the club's best and fairest, while demonstrating growing leadership in a rebuilding Tigers side.[1] In 2024, he played 18 games amid team struggles, averaging 19.9 disposals, before requesting a trade to return to Western Australia in August, culminating in his departure after 128 games, 49 goals, and two premierships.[26]

2018–2020 seasons

Baker was selected by Richmond with pick 18 in the 2018 AFL rookie draft after a standout season in the WAFL with Subiaco, where he played 13 senior games and kicked 19 goals.[27] He spent the early part of his debut AFL season developing at VFL level with Richmond's reserves side, averaging strong numbers in disposals and goals to build his case for a senior call-up.[19] Baker earned his AFL debut in round 19 against Collingwood at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, selected for his pace, endurance, and toughness as a versatile small forward-midfielder standing at 173 cm and weighing 69 kg.[19] In three senior appearances that year—rounds 19, 21, and 22—he recorded 34 disposals, one goal, and four behinds, showing glimpses of his ball-winning ability with an average of 11.3 disposals per game.[28] The 2019 season marked Baker's breakthrough, as he transitioned into a more permanent role in Richmond's lineup, playing 19 games including the finals series.[29] His versatility allowed him to contribute across half-forward and midfield positions, averaging 16.9 disposals, 3.3 marks, and 3.2 tackles per game, while kicking eight goals for the year.[28] A standout performance came in round 10 against Essendon, where he gathered 24 disposals and nine tackles in a 23-point victory, earning him the NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for that round.[30] Baker's impact extended to the finals, where he averaged 15.3 disposals and 5.6 intercepts across three games, contributing to Richmond's premiership win in the grand final against Greater Western Sydney.[29] His efforts in the decider included 15 disposals and a goal assist, helping secure the Tigers' second flag in three years.[31] In 2020, Baker elevated to wear the No. 7 guernsey after being officially elevated from the rookie list in the off-season, reflecting his growing importance to the team.[32] He played all 20 games, primarily as a half-back flanker, averaging 14.8 disposals, 3.6 marks, and 2.7 rebound-50s, with a season-high of 26 disposals against Brisbane in round 10.[28] Despite the shortened season due to COVID-19 disruptions, Baker ranked third among Richmond players for rebound-50s and second for intercepts, showcasing his defensive pressure and ball-use from the back half.[32] He played every final, including the grand final victory over Geelong, where his 223 metres gained and tackling pressure were key to the Tigers' third premiership in four seasons.[32] Over the three-year period, Baker's progression from rookie to dual-premiership player highlighted his adaptability and work rate, amassing 56 games, 652 disposals, and 10 goals.[28]
SeasonGames PlayedDisposals (Avg)GoalsKey Highlights
2018334 (11.3)1AFL debut in round 19; VFL development focus
201919321 (16.9)8NAB Rising Star nominee; Premiership player
202020297 (14.9)1No. 7 guernsey; Premiership player; Top rebounder

2021–2024 seasons

In the 2021 season, Baker established himself as a key versatile player for Richmond, capable of contributing across half-back, midfield, and forward roles. He played 22 games, averaging 20.3 disposals (238 kicks and 208 handballs), while booting seven goals. His courage and clean skills under pressure were highlighted as vital to the team's structure, earning him equal second place in the club's best and fairest count.[28][1][24] Baker's 2022 campaign built on this foundation, with 23 appearances where he averaged 19.1 disposals (245 kicks and 195 handballs) and kicked 11 goals. Renowned for his bravery in contests, he received the AFL Players Association's Most Courageous Player award, recognizing his fearless tackling and pressure acts (52 tackles for the year). A standout performance came against Geelong in Round 15, where he recorded a career-high 24 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight inside-50s, and one goal, rated as his best game by Champion Data metrics. In July, he signed a contract extension with Richmond through to the end of 2024. He also polled six Brownlow Medal votes.[28][1][33][34][25] During 2023, Baker maintained consistency across 23 games, averaging 19.0 disposals (258 kicks and 180 handballs), scoring 12 goals, and adding 51 tackles. He reached his 100th AFL match against Fremantle in Round 13, a milestone that underscored his development from a rookie draftee into a reliable utility. Baker finished sixth in Richmond's best and fairest and collected three Brownlow votes for the season. His ability to troubleshoot in multiple positions continued to be a cornerstone of the Tigers' strategy amid a rebuilding phase.[28][1][35] Baker's 2024 season saw him play 18 games, increasing his goal tally to 14 while averaging 19.9 disposals (207 kicks and 151 handballs) and elevating his tackling output to 69 for the year. Positioned more frequently as a forward-midfield hybrid, he provided burst and intensity, though the Tigers' struggles limited team success. In August, Baker requested a trade to return to Western Australia for family reasons, a move confirmed by the club alongside similar requests from teammates. He departed Richmond at season's end, traded to West Coast for pick 14. Despite the transition, his durability and versatility had cemented five straight top-six finishes in the best and fairest from 2020 to 2024.[28][1][36][37]

Trade to West Coast Eagles

At the conclusion of the 2024 AFL season, Liam Baker requested a trade from Richmond to return to his home state of Western Australia, expressing a desire to play for the West Coast Eagles, the club he supported as a child.[2][38] West Coast, seeking to bolster their midfield and forward line amid a rebuilding phase, pursued Baker aggressively during the trade period, viewing him as a versatile and experienced player capable of providing immediate impact.[39] The trade was finalized on October 14, 2024, as part of a complex three-way deal involving Richmond, West Coast, and Carlton. West Coast initially traded their No. 3 draft pick to Carlton in exchange for Carlton's No. 12 pick and forward Matt Owies, allowing West Coast to retain a first-round selection while acquiring additional talent. Richmond then received the No. 12 pick (which adjusted to No. 14 after other trades) from West Coast in return for Baker, enabling the Tigers to replenish their draft stocks after losing a key contributor.[39][37] Upon joining West Coast, Baker signed a five-year contract extension, committing to the club through the 2029 season and underscoring his long-term investment in the team's rebuild. He described the move as fulfilling a "lifelong dream," highlighting his excitement to contribute to West Coast's resurgence and mentor younger players. The trade drew mixed reactions, with some critics questioning West Coast's decision to part with a high draft pick for a 26-year-old, though club officials emphasized Baker's proven leadership and multi-positional skills as vital for their future.[39][2][40]

West Coast Eagles career (2025–present)

Baker was traded to the West Coast Eagles from Richmond at the conclusion of the 2024 AFL trade period on 14 October 2024, with the Tigers receiving pick 14 in exchange.[39] As a Western Australian native, Baker signed a five-year contract with the Eagles, expressing his desire to return home and contribute to the club's rebuild.[39] He joined the team ahead of the 2025 season under new coach Andrew McQualter, bringing his versatility and experience from 128 games and two premierships with Richmond.[4] Baker made his debut for West Coast in Round 1 of the 2025 season against Gold Coast, where he recorded 21 disposals in a heavy defeat.[41] Throughout the year, he primarily anchored the half-back line while rotating through the midfield and forward positions, providing leadership to a young and developing squad that managed just one win for the season.[42] His adaptability helped implement a new game style focused on contested ball wins and territorial gains, despite the team's struggles.[42] In 23 games during 2025, Baker averaged 22.1 disposals, 9.4 contested possessions, and 7.6 groundballs per match, while also contributing 3.7 tackles and 352.3 metres gained on average.[4] He kicked five goals for the season, with a standout performance of 35 disposals against Collingwood in Round 16.[4] Baker's consistency was evident in his elite handball (10.8 average) and tackle output, making him a key ball-winner in a rebuilding side.[4] Baker's impact was recognized when he won the John Worsfold Medal as West Coast's best and fairest player for 2025, polling 338 votes to edge out Reuben Ginbey (286) and Harley Reid (267).[42] He served as acting captain for the final two games, underscoring his leadership role in a challenging year.[42][43] This marked the first time a debutant had claimed the award since 1996, highlighting his immediate value to the Eagles.[42]

2025 season

Baker joined the West Coast Eagles via trade at the end of the 2024 season and made an immediate impact in his debut year with the club. He played in all 23 home-and-away matches, primarily as a versatile half-back who also spent time in the midfield. Throughout the season, Baker averaged 22.1 disposals per game, including 11.3 kicks and 10.8 handballs, while recording 84 marks and contributing 5 goals and 9 goal assists. His score involvements totaled 83, highlighting his role in transitioning play from defense to attack.[44][25] Baker's leadership qualities emerged prominently midway through the year. On August 11, 2025, following the suspension of club captain Liam Duggan, Baker was appointed to lead the team for the remaining two games of the season, captaining in the final two matches, including a notable performance where he led the side out for his 150th career game against the Western Bulldogs on August 16.[43][45] His on-field toughness and decision-making were praised by coaches, contributing to improved team structure in the back half. By season's end on September 6, 2025, Baker was awarded the John Worsfold Medal as the Eagles' best and fairest player, edging out younger teammates in a poll of club figures for his consistent excellence in a rebuilding side.[42] Despite the Eagles finishing outside the finals, Baker's debut campaign was seen as a cornerstone for the club's future, with speculation mounting about his potential as a long-term captain. He ranked third in the team's total disposals with 508, underscoring his reliability and work rate across the 23 rounds.[46][47]

Playing style and profile

Baker is known for his toughness, hunger for the contest, and courage under pressure, earning him the AFL Players Association Most Courageous Player award in 2022.[48] Standing at 173 cm, he is a versatile utility player who has been deployed as a defender, midfielder, and occasionally forward throughout his career, often playing all over the ground.[11] His playing style emphasizes relentless endeavour, football smarts, and leadership on the field, making him a damaging and zippy contributor in tight situations.[49] Baker excels in handball receives and tackling, with elite averages of 10.8 handballs and 3.7 tackles per game in 2025, alongside strong meters gained (352.3 average).[4] He is also noted for his endurance and goal sense, though his field kicking has been identified as an area for improvement.[16] As a left-footed player, Baker's consistency is highlighted by averaging around 20 disposals per game across recent seasons, contributing to his reputation as a reliable ball-winner.[4]

Career statistics

SeasonClubLeagueGamesGoalsBehindKicksHandballsDisposalsMarksTackles
2018RichmondAFL330-----
2019RichmondAFL19154-----
2020RichmondAFL16-------
2021RichmondAFL22----20.3 (avg)--
2022RichmondAFL22----19.1 (avg)--
2023RichmondAFL23--11.2 (avg)7.8 (avg)19.0 (avg)--
2024RichmondAFL18--11.5 (avg)8.4 (avg)19.9 (avg)--
2025West Coast EaglesAFL23552592495088431
Career total15159------
Notes: Statistics are for AFL matches only. Averages are per game where totals are not available for the season. Data as of end of 2025 season.[48]

Honours and achievements

Team

Individual

Personal life

Baker grew up on his family's wheat and sheep farm in Pingaring, Western Australia, which was established by his grandfather Neil. His parents, Kim and Karen, continue to manage the farm, and Baker has two older sisters, Corrina and Julia, both of whom are married to farmers.[12] He is currently completing an agronomy course and has expressed his intention to take over the family farm after retiring from football. His decision to join the West Coast Eagles was partly motivated by a desire to be closer to his family and the farm, reducing the travel time from a flight to a 3.5-hour drive.[12] Baker is in a relationship with Brittany Scharf, whom he accompanied to the 2025 AFL best and fairest awards.[51]

References

  1. Liam Baker | AFL - Richmond Football Club
  2. Baker's lifelong dream comes true - West Coast Eagles
  3. Baker's delight! Star recruit claims 2025 John Worsfold Medal
  4. Liam Baker | AFL - West Coast Eagles
  5. Baker a Tiger rookie - Richmond Football Club
  6. Liam Baker, Dreamtime at the 'G, Richmond v Essendon, AFL ...
  7. How tough love shaped Baker - Richmond Football Club
  8. Liam Baker | TGI Sport
  9. https://www.thewest.com.au/sport/richmond-tigers/from-pingaring-cub-to-tiger-king-wa-star-liam-bakers-journey-to-100-games-for-richmond-c-10902519
  10. Happy to go back: The Tiger playing with a chip on his shoulder - AFL
  11. Roar features: Liam Baker - Richmond Football Club
  12. Why the call of home was too strong for this Eagle to ignore - AFL
  13. Young Gun: West Perth youngster Liam Baker featured in FOX ...
  14. Liam Baker - Tigerland Archive
  15. Liam Baker - WAFL
  16. Liam Baker Draft Profile - Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central (formerly ...
  17. Pocket rocket 'driven' for draft redemption - AFL
  18. AFL Combine Results 2017 State Screening - Topend Sports
  19. Baker to debut - Richmond Football Club
  20. Bargain-basement premiership Tiger's beginning: Liam Baker
  21. Baker enters exclusive Tiger premiership club
  22. Tigers' 2021 report card: MVP, surprise packet, final grade, more - AFL
  23. Tigers confirm Bolton, Rioli and Baker want to leave - ESPN
  24. Former Subiaco Baker set for Richmond debut
  25. Liam Baker - Stats - Statistics - AFL Tables
  26. Premiership Tigers' statistical summary: Liam Baker
  27. Baker wins Round 10 Rising Star nomination
  28. Pint-sized Tiger takes the Rising Star cake - AFL
  29. Premiership Tigers' season summary: Liam Baker
  30. 'Wonderful Richmond man': Tigers star's career-best outing as rival's ...
  31. Baker's delight: Star Tiger inks contract extension - Zero Hanger
  32. Terrific Tiger troubleshooter's ton tribute - Richmond Football Club
  33. Tiger trio want out: Richmond confirms three huge trade requests - AFL
  34. Baker departs for first round pick - Richmond Football Club
  35. "I want to be a part of that": Eagles recruit opens up on trade decision
  36. Done deal: Blues land pick No.3, Baker lands at Eagles - AFL
  37. AFL trades 2024: Don Pyke responds to criticism about West Coast ...
  38. The Coast with the most: Suns sink Eagles in record-breaking win
  39. First-year Eagle beats out young duo to win best and fairest - AFL
  40. Liam Baker - Footywire
  41. Liam Baker | CODE Sports
  42. Liam Baker to captain West Coast Eagles in final two matches of ...
  43. Liam Baker Leads West Coast Eagles in AFL Match 150 - Instagram
  44. West Coast - 2025 Game by Game Player Stats - AFL Tables
  45. Liam Baker Expected To Take Reins As Skipper Full- Time | 10 News
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