Baker departs for first round pick

Richmond has received an additional first-round selection at this year’s Telstra AFL Draft after completing a three-way trade with West Coast and Carlton today.

The Tigers have received current selection No. 14 overall in exchange for Liam Baker, who has departed the Club to join West Coast.

The additional selection gives Richmond a fourth pick inside the top 24 of the Telstra AFL Draft, having received Brisbane’s selection No. 20 last week.

Baker won two premierships with Richmond after being selected as a mature-aged rookie from the Western Australian Football League (WAFL) prior to the 2018 season.

The 25-year-old played 128 AFL matches for the Tigers, booting 54 goals.

Richmond General Manager, Football Talent- Blair Hartley said the Club was pleased to bring in an extra first-round pick.

“Next month’s draft will be an exciting opportunity for the Club to bring in some talented young players, with this pick strengthening our hand,” he said.

“While we are disappointed that Liam is departing, we respect the reasons for his decision. Importantly, we are pleased to have received fair compensation for his exit.

“We wish Liam all the best for the rest of his football career and beyond back home in Western Australia and he will forever be a two-time Richmond premiership player.”

Richmond currently holds selections 1, 14, 20, 24, 51, 61, 70 and 76 at November’s Telstra AFL Draft.

Trade Summary

Richmond Receive: Pick 14

West Coast Receive: Liam Baker, Matt Owies, Pick 12, Pick 73

Carlton Receive: Pick 3, Pick 63, Pick 68

Richmond Give: Liam Baker

Carlton Give: Matt Owies, Pick 12, Pick 14, Pick 73

West Coast Give: Pick 3, Pick 63, Pick 68