From ratbag to skipper: Baker's journey to West Coast co-captaincy

Newly minted West Cost co-captain Liam Baker has come a long way across his AFL journey.

Despite never having leadership roles on his journey to the big league, Baker has now developed into someone who his teammates look up to.

With 151 games and two premierships under his belt, West Coast’s playing group identified Baker as the best person to lead the club alongside Liam Duggan following Oscar Allen’s departure to Brisbane, even if he’s only been there for one season.

Baker explained how he learned of the news, which came directly from coach Andrew McQualter.

“‘Mini’ (McQualter) texted me a few days ago and said, ‘Can I come around for a chat?’,” Baker told SEN Captain’s Run.

“I had a feeling it was going to go one of two ways (sacked or captain). Then I caught up the next day with him at his house, he told me the news and ‘Duggo’ came around later.

“We had a beer together, and that’s how it went down.

“I was a bit of a ratbag as a kid, I was never a captain growing up, so I guess I’ve come a long way in that sense.”

Baker has enjoyed a strong 2026 pre-season which helped affirm the club’s call to make him co-captain, but it’s not only him who’s impressed on the training track.

Whether it’s last year’s mid-season pick up Tom McCarthy making an exciting switch on-ball or a new-look Harley Reid, several players have caught Baker’s eye on the track so far.

“Tom McCarthy's only been there six months, but he’s been unbelievable this pre-season,” Baker said.

“Then there’s  Jack Graham around the ball, a bit more of a senior head, his contest and defence around the ball has been amazing as well.

“Then a kid like (Willem) Duursma, the way he moves, how rangy he is and how long his arms are, he's going to be a great player for us.

“Harley is also fit which is good to see… his body looks good. He identified that last year maybe where he went wrong and he’s come back this season a lot better. Training is easier for him, he’s been training really well and it’s awesome to see. I can’t wait to see how he goes off this base.

“We only need to get five per cent with better everyone across the list and we're going to be improving a lot.”

Baker and West Coast begin their 2026 campaign with a Round 1 clash against Gold Coast at People First Stadium on March 15.