Two-time Richmond premiership backman David Astbury predicted it earlier this year, when he tipped big things for teammate Liam Baker:

“I have huge faith and belief in him developing into a serious player,” Astbury said.

Baker is well on his way to reaching serious levels, as the small defender continues his excellent season in the Tigers’ back half.

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He again was one of Richmond’s best in its Dreamtime win over Essendon in Darwin on Saturday night, gathering 16 disposals, with eight intercepts, and setting things up from defence.

On a sweaty night, when many players fumbled, Baker never did – and rarely does – with the 2019 premiership player’s sharp and quick hands helping create for the Tigers.