Liam Baker highlighted his versatility, skill set and importance to the Richmond line-up with a superb showing in last Saturday night’s thrilling four-point victory over Greater Western Sydney at Marvel Stadium.

The rookie-draft recruit from Western Australia, who started his football life at Punt Road as a small forward, before becoming an integral member of two Tiger premiership teams as a small defender, was moved into the midfield in a bid to help fill the huge void created by the absence through injury of captain Trent Cotchin, Dion Prestia, Shane Edwards, Kane Lambert and Shai Bolton.

Baker rose to the occasion brilliantly, utilising his ball-winning ability, effective disposal, composure, courage, determination, and football smarts to full advantage, providing the Tigers with a significant boost through the midfield.

He had an AFL career-high and team-high 33 disposals, an AFL career-high and team-high 16 contested possessions, an AFL career-high and game-high nine inside-50s, an AFL career-high eight clearances, five intercepts, seven score involvements, six tackles and a game-high 529 metres gained.

Baker’s Tiger teammate Nathan Broad expressed how impressed he was with his transition from defence to the midfield.

“He’s too good for the backline, I think,” Broad said on SEN.

“We’re just starting to see what we (the Tiger defenders) have all been able to see in ‘Bakes’ for the last few years.

“He’s a very talented footy player . . .

“I think he’s got a lot more to offer around the midfield.

“We saw it last Saturday night and with these injuries, Bakes is just relishing being up the ground a bit higher.”