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.

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.