Prized West Coast recruit Liam Baker is ‘over the moon’ to be joining the club he grew up supporting after his trade from Richmond was confirmed on Tuesday.
After a lengthy negotiation period the Eagles got the deal done by involving Carlton in a three-way trade and securing Baker’s return to WA, plus small forward Matt Owies from the Blues.
“It has been a bit of a rollercoaster but I’m over the moon,” Baker told westcoasteagles.com.au.
“This is something I’ve dreamt of my whole life playing for West Coast and it’s finally come true.
“I just can’t wait to get over there, meet a few of the boys and get stuck into pre-season."
Baker - a Lake Grace product - followed Tigers teammate Jack Graham’s move west, reuniting with their former coach and new Eagles mentor Andrew McQualter at Mineral Resources Park.
“When (McQualter’s) name was getting tossed up for the job it was something I really, really wanted but I had made my mind up that I wanted to come to West Coast, so that was just a bonus," he said.
“If the coaching decision had of been made before I made my decision I would’ve been there straight away as well.
“I couldn’t be more over the moon and I can’t wait to see what he can do with the boys.”
A dual premiership player at the Tigers after being drafted as a rookie, Baker wrestled with he decision to leave Punt Road but was excited to be joining Graham and his new teammates.
“’Fridge’ (Graham) is one of the best blokes going around at Richmond. We’re obviously very close and no one would say a bad word about him,” he said.
“I’m sure it won’t take long for the boys and staff to realise that. On the field he is a grinder. He will train his backside off, he works hard and he runs hard on the footy field.
“It’s obviously been a challenging for years for the club from what I can see but a new coach, new ideas, a bit of fresh air and the list is exciting with all the young blokes plus the top-end older guys that have been good players for so long.
“I feel like things can change quickly. I’m all for that and I can’t wait to see what can happen over the next few years.
“Obviously there is a lot of work to be done and I’m sure the group is excited about the work ahead.”
