Liam Baker’s name would be one of the first put up on the white board when the Richmond selectors pick their senior side for each match.

The mature-age recruit from Western Australia played 19 games in his second season of AFL football last year, including the Tigers’ glorious Grand Final triumph over Greater Western Sydney.

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This season he has cemented his spot in the line-up as a small defender, maintaining a high level of performance.

Baker is averaging 14.6 disposals, 3.4 marks, 5.4 intercepts and 205.4 metres gained per game.

07:09

Round 8: Match highlights

Watch the highlights from the match against the Giants.

He’s displayed exemplary composure, courage and plenty of dash across Richmond’s backline.

Baker was one of the Tigers’ best in the 12-point loss to Greater Western Sydney at Giants Stadium last Friday night, finishing the match with an equal game-high six intercepts.