Liam Baker epitomised the steely resolve within the Richmond line-up to make amends for the qualifying final defeat at the hands of Brisbane by bouncing back strongly in last Friday night’s cut-throat semi-final against St Kilda at Metricon Stadium.
The talented 22-year-old small defender, one of the Tigers’ most improved players this season, was below par in the loss to the Lions, finishing the match with just eight disposals and two intercepts.
But in trademark tenacious style, he quickly turned his form around to be one of Richmond’s best performers in the 31-point victory over the Saints.
Baker, in his 40th AFL game and fifth final, had 19 disposals, six marks, four rebound-50s, an equal team-high six intercepts and 234 metres gained.
Ranked 16th across the competition for intercepts this season, and second at Tigerland in this key area of the game, Baker credited coach Damien Hardwick for continually encouraging the playing group to utilise their football attributes.
“Dimma gives us a bit of a license . . . He says play to your strengths and he’ll back us in,” Baker said on SEN.
“He backs us in a lot which is great for us. So, I’ll back myself in, if I think I can win it, to go and win it.
“Usually, my intercepts are more ground-ball type intercepts.
“I get to the front of the contest and try to win it back that way.
“I’m not really trying to jump on blokes’ heads and mark it like Nick Vlastuin and ‘Grimesy’ (Dylan Grimes) . . .”
