Richmond rookie Liam Baker is in contention to debut in Saturdays MCG blockbuster against Collingwood after starring again in the VFL.
On the bubble: Liam Baker has shown good VFL form for the Tigers
Photo: Jason South
The diminutive West Australian kicked three goals as the Tigers consolidated their spot atop the VFL ladder with a 66-point win over Sandringham at Trevor Barker Beach Oval yesterday.
Baker, taken at pick 18 in last Novembers rookie draft, was a travelling emergency for the Tigers game against Greater Western Sydney last weekend and Richmond VFL coach Craig McRae said after yesterdays showing that the youngster looked ready to play at the top level, although conceded opportunities could be hard to come by after Richmonds seniors thumped St Kilda on Friday.
“Hes in serious form. He was unlucky not to play a couple of weeks ago,” McRae said.
“He looks like an AFL footballer. He played as a genuine forward this week. Normally well play him in mid roles, forward/mids. It probably held him out that he hadnt played much forward with us.
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“Today after what he did, I dont think hell play much with us going forward.
“The way he played today, hell certainly grab the attention of the match committee.”
McRae said he was impressed with the way Baker adapted to a different role. Hes been playing a role where hes around the ball at stoppages, where today he was having to create his own opportunity, so I was really pleased with how he did that.
“They played pretty well Friday night, so its going to be hard to get into that team but he looks really ready.”
Dropped after the Giants game, Shai Bolton was tried in defence against the Zebras and performed steadily.
“Dimma [senior coach Damien Hardwick] wanted to see if he could do it [play down back]. He looked OK. Im sure hes got a lot to learn,” Bolton said.
“Hes only 19 Shai, hell keep evolving his game, developing.”
Experienced trio Sam Lloyd, Anthony Miles and Jacob Townsend were all busy as well, as they vie for senior recalls ahead of the finals.
“We need those guys to be our best players, and they were all our best players today,” McRae said.
“Look at Lloydy, his form last week was unbelievable but just didnt get an opportunity.
“He continues to play really good footy at this level.”
The Tigers burst from the blocks yesterday, keeping Sandringham scoreless in the first quarter while kicking 9.5 (59) themselves. The Zebras changed to their alternate jumper at quarter time after a clash, managing to limit the damage thereafter.
Knocking on the door: St Kilda's Nathan Freeman enters a fifth season without having played a senior AFL game due to persistent hamstring injuries after being a top 10 selection at 2013 draft.
Photo: Jason South
Blake Acres looms as a strong chance to return to the St Kilda side for next weeks game against the Giants after racking up 36 disposals, while Nathan Freeman was prominent with 30 disposals as he pushes for a long-awaited AFL debut. Sandringham coach Aaron Hamill was reluctant to discuss whether Freeman and Acres were ready for AFL action.
“Thats a match committee decision isnt it,” Hamill said.
“But I think we saw some good stuff, some stuff where theyve got to improve. For both of them to get through the game is a pleasing result for us.
“Those two will be discussed during the week Im sure.”
Daniel is an Age sports reporter.
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