Liam Baker was absent from Friday's match simulation after suffering a minor ankle sprain on Wednesday, but the former Richmond defender completed a running session and said he expected to work back into training next week.

Speaking to the media for the first time since crossing west during the 2024 AFL Trade Period, Baker said he had been motivated to join the Eagles to be part of a rebuilding group.

"I've always loved this club and I felt like at Richmond I jumped on the end of a successful era," Baker said.

"They always spoke about how good the hard times were when it was tough, now that they ended up winning a few flags.

"So that sort of drove me to come here and be part of a group that's changing, new style with new coaches, new players, so I want to ride that wave."

Baker joined the Eagles as part of a three-club trade that saw the Eagles send their pick No.3 to Carlton, receiving Baker, small forward Matt Owies, and pick No.12, eventually securing local defender Bo Allan with their first pick.

Baker said it was now up to him to deliver as a player and push the club to be as successful as it can be, joking that he was having a rough time with fans due to the price paid to land him.

"I had something chucked at me the other day. No, I'm kidding," the half-back laughed.

"I wouldn't say it was a rough first few days, but it was a bit of, you know, 'This is what I'm in for'. But since I've been back here, I honestly haven't heard too much about it.

"It's the nature of the game. I wanted to get here and the way they got me here just caused a few headlines. But they say they're happy, I'm happy, so we're all happy.

"I'm in the same boat as them (fans). I want to win, they want to see us win, so now that it's all happened, it's my job to be the best player I can be and push this team as much as I can, as well as everyone else."