Liam Baker – Deck of DT 2025

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Why should I pick him?

After a commendable seven-year stint with the Richmond Tigers, Liam Baker made a pivotal move to the West Coast Eagles at the end of the 2024 season. In what can only be described as a strategic coup, the Eagles traded a first-round pick for Baker, acquiring a player whose experience and leadership are poised to invigorate their youthful squad. Baker himself has likened this move west to a “dream come true,” and for fantasy coaches everywhere, this move is nothing short of thrilling.

Baker is expected to anchor the half-back line for West Coast, a position that has historically been a goldmine for fantasy points. His role will likely involve him in a significant portion of West Coast’s attacking plays and defensive rebounds. Players in this position often rack up points through numerous ‘+6’s – where a mark is followed by a kick – and with Baker’s renowned kicking skills, expect him to have a substantial share of kick-ins. Given West Coast’s current rebuilding phase, Baker’s opportunities to gain points from defensive efforts against stronger teams could be plentiful.

While Baker’s fantasy stats might not have screamed “elite” in past years, his consistency and resilience are undeniable. His peak in 2024 was an average of 78.5 points, which, while not groundbreaking, was his highest yet. Before that, he maintained a steady average around 69 points across 2022 and 2023, and 72 in 2021. Importantly, Baker has proven his durability, playing every game from the start of 2021 up until last year, when injuries slightly hampered his season.

What makes Baker particularly intriguing in 2025 is not just his stats but his new environment and responsibilities. His move to West Coast isn’t just geographical, it’s a strategic one to play under his former mentor, Andrew McQualter, who is now the senior coach. This player-coach relationship, forged over years, could significantly elevate Baker’s performance. The psychological boost of proving his worth to a new team, coach, and fanbase could drive him to new heights in both training and performance, directly impacting his fantasy output.

Baker’s dual eligibility as a midfielder and forward adds another layer of appeal. With many fantasy teams likely to feature common forward selections like Macrae, Smith, Daniel, and Pou, Baker offers a unique point of difference. His ability to accumulate points from multiple positions could be the edge you need in the early stages of the season.

At 27, Baker is entering the prime of his athletic career. If there was ever a time for him to break through as a fantasy standout, it’s now. With West Coast’s need for leadership and his natural fit in their system, 2025 could be the year Baker not only exceeds expectations but redefines his fantasy value.

Liam Baker’s transition to West Coast isn’t just a story of a player moving teams, it’s about a player poised for a career-defining season. For those looking to draft a player with both potential and proven track record, Baker represents an exciting asset for your 2025 fantasy classic team.

Why shouldn’t I pick him?

Let’s be brutally honest, selecting Liam Baker isn’t exactly the sexiest pick. His current price tag is based on his career-high average of 78.5 points from last season, which essentially means you’re betting on him having his best year yet to justify your pick.

When you look at his performance last year, yes, there was a peak with a score of 113, but don’t forget the lows – a dismal 46, plus three other games in the 50s. That’s the definition of inconsistency, making him a real roller-coaster ride for fantasy coaches.

From a value perspective, Baker doesn’t offer much unless you’re betting the farm on him adding 10-15 points to his career average, pushing him to a 93-point average. That would potentially elevate him to top-tier forward status, but it’s a big if. For that to happen, everything would need to align perfectly – no injuries, a better on field team performance from West Coast, and Baker himself needing to step up his fantasy game significantly.

If you can stretch your budget by roughly another $100k, you could opt for someone like JHF who seems like a safer bet at this stage of the pre-season. With Baker, you’re not just choosing the player, you’re gambling on a scenario where all the stars align for him personally and for his new team. Unless you’re feeling particularly lucky or have an insider’s insight into his potential, this might not be the pick to stake your season’s success on.

Deck of DT Rating.

QUEEN 

While Queen Baker may not be the top fantasy scorer in the realm, his middling performance places him squarely in a position of intrigue. This intrigue lies not in where he stands now, but in the untapped potential that a new system, team, and set of responsibilities might uncover. For those with an appetite for risk and seeking a Point Of Difference for their forward line, Baker represents an exciting gamble. His price is unlikely to plummet, and with a lack of standout POD options this season, taking a chance on him could well pay dividends. For the fantasy coach looking to make a bold move, Baker is certainly worth the punt.

Leighroy