Richmond forward Liam Baker has officially informed the club of his intention to seek a trade to a Western Australian-based team during the upcoming AFL trade period. While the 26-year-old is contracted at Punt Road until the end of 2025, reports from the AFL website confirm he has formally requested a move back to his home state.
West Coast Eagles Emerge as Frontrunners
The West Coast Eagles have positioned themselves as the primary destination for the dual premiership player. Following the conclusion of the 2024 home-and-away season, Baker indicated his preference to return to Western Australia, citing a desire to be closer to family. According to Fox Sports, the Eagles are widely considered the "favourite" to secure the midfielder’s signature. The club is currently navigating a period of transition under new leadership, making a high-impact player like Baker a strategic priority for their list management team.
Fremantle’s Standing in the Trade Pursuit
While West Coast is the frontrunner, the Fremantle Dockers have also been linked to Baker throughout the 2024 season. However, industry reporting suggests the Dockers’ interest has cooled in recent weeks. As noted by The West Australian, the club’s priorities appear to have shifted, leaving the Eagles with a clearer path to finalize a deal with Richmond.
Contractual Status and Trade Stakes
Baker enters the trade period as a contracted player, which complicates potential negotiations. Richmond is expected to seek significant draft capital in exchange for the versatile star, who has been a staple of their side since joining as a rookie selection in 2018.
- Draft Capital: Richmond holds a strong hand for the upcoming national draft and will likely look for high-end picks to facilitate their ongoing rebuild.
- Player Utility: Baker’s ability to impact games across the midfield and forward line makes him one of the most valuable trade targets this year.
- Timeline: The AFL trade period officially opens in early October, providing the window for the Tigers and Eagles to reach an agreement.
Future Implications for Richmond
The departure of Baker represents a significant milestone in Richmond’s transition phase. Having played 128 games for the Tigers and contributing to their 2019 and 2020 premierships, Baker’s exit signals the end of an era for the club. Richmond’s list management team, led by Blair Hartley, will now focus on maximizing the return for a player of Baker’s caliber to ensure the club remains competitive in the coming seasons.
The club has not yet commented on specific trade terms, but with the formal request now lodged, negotiations are expected to accelerate as the trade window approaches.
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