Dual Richmond tall premiership defender David Astbury has paid tribute to his small backline teammate Liam Baker.
The Tigers secured the services of Baker from Western Australia via the AFL rookie draft. After three senior appearances in his 2018 debut season, he flourished last year when shifted from the forward line into defence and was an integral member of the premiership side.
Astbury, speaking on the latest episode of the Club’s podcast ‘Talking Tigers’, declared that he was a big fan of the 173cm, 22-year-old, who has played just 23 games all-up of AFL football.
“I’m a huge advocate for ‘Bakes’,” Astbury said.
“He missed out in his draft year and I think he fell victim to the fact he’s not 6ft 4in and he probably doesn’t strike you as a typically big athlete that the modern game might require, but he actually is an unbelievable runner.
“The thing that sets Bakes apart from a lot of players is his hands. He’s got probably the cleanest set of hands, him and ‘Cotchy’ (Trent Cotchin), at the footy club.
“He’s also remarkably brave and makes great decisions.
“I reckon that he’s just scratching the surface on what could be a really long career for the Richmond Footy Club.
“He’s a great character as well . . . a real profile within the group, and we love having him around.”
