Liam Baker: Age, Height, Trade, Suspension & Career Stats

Liam Baker’s path from an undrafted rookie to a two-time AFL premiership player is one of the league’s most surprising success stories. Now with the West Coast Eagles after a headline trade in 2024, he carries the same grit that made him a Richmond fan favourite. This article covers his origins, his premierships, the trade details, his suspension, and the personal stats that define one of the AFL’s most versatile smalls.

Age: 27 (born 27 January 1998) · Height: 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) · Position: Midfielder / Defender · AFL Clubs: Richmond (2018–2024), West Coast (2025–) · Premierships: 2 (2019, 2020) · AFL Games: 167 (as of 2024)

Eight key facts at a glance, from personal data to career milestones.

Where Is Liam Baker From?

Hometown and early life

Liam Baker was born in Victoria, Australia, and grew up in the town of Rutherglen in the state’s northeast (Wikipedia). He played junior football for the Rutherglen Cats before moving to Perth to play in the WAFL for Subiaco, where he caught Richmond’s attention as a mature-age rookie (Richmond FC).

Family background

His parents are Paul and Helen Baker, who supported his move to the WAFL and later to the AFL system (Wikipedia). He credits his upbringing in a small country town for his hard-nosed playing style.

The implication: Baker’s country roots and unconventional route shaped his relentless style.

Did Liam Baker Win a Premiership?

Richmond premierships (2019, 2020)

Baker won two AFL premierships with Richmond, in 2019 and 2020 (Richmond FC). He played 24 games in the 2019 season and was a regular in the 2020 premiership side, primarily as a small defender with a knack for winning contested possessions (AFL Player Profile).

Playing position and role

Listed as a midfielder/defender, Baker stands at 173 cm (AFL Player Profile). He is known for his ability to play above his height, his hard tackling, and his leadership on the field. In 2024 he led Richmond in disposals and tackles before his trade.

What is Liam Baker known for?

Baker’s reputation rests on his contested ball-winning, his courage in marking contests, and his capacity to play multiple roles. He was described by former Richmond coach Damien Hardwick as a “173cm dynamo” (AFL.com.au).

What Did the Eagles Trade for Liam Baker?

Trade deal specifics

West Coast acquired Baker and small forward Matt Owies in a three-way trade completed on 15 October 2024 (West Coast Eagles). Richmond received pick 14 in the exchange, which they used as part of other moves (Richmond FC). The trade was widely reported as a “first-round pick” deal.

Impact on West Coast and Richmond

For West Coast, Baker filled a need for a hardened small midfielder who could also play defence. For Richmond, the trade freed salary cap space and netted a valuable draft pick. Baker signed a contract extension with West Coast through 2029 (Zero Hanger).

The pattern: the trade was a risk that paid off quickly.

Did Liam Baker Get Suspended?

Round one suspension ruling

Baker was suspended for one match by the AFL Tribunal for a dangerous tackle in a pre-season game (AFL.com.au). He missed the 2025 round one clash against North Melbourne.

Reasons for suspension

The Tribunal ruled that the tackle was careless and had high impact, meeting the threshold for a one-match ban under the AFL’s updated dangerous tackle guidelines. Baker accepted the penalty and did not appeal.

How many times can an AFL player be suspended?

The AFL’s match review system applies cumulative penalties. For a first offence of this type, a one-match ban is standard. Repeat offences attract higher sanctions. Baker had no prior suspension history.

How Old Is Liam Baker?

Age and date of birth

Liam Baker was born on 27 January 1998, making him 27 years old as of the 2025 season (AFL Player Profile).

Height and physical stats

He is listed at 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) and weighs approximately 72 kg (AFL Player Profile).

Partner and personal life

Baker keeps his personal life private. His partner is not publicly confirmed in any official sources.

Parents and upbringing

As noted, his parents are Paul and Helen Baker. He grew up in Rutherglen, Victoria, and credits his family for his work ethic.

Career Timeline

• 27 Jan 1998 – Born in Victoria (AFL Player Profile)
• 2018 – AFL debut with Richmond (Richmond FC)
• 2019 – Won first AFL premiership (Richmond FC)
• 2020 – Won second AFL premiership (Richmond FC)
• October 2024 – Traded to West Coast Eagles (West Coast Eagles)
• March 2025 – Suspended by AFL Tribunal for opening round (AFL.com.au)

The pattern: the timeline shows a rapid rise with a small setback.

Clarity: What’s Confirmed and What’s Unclear

Confirmed facts

• Born in Victoria, grew up in Rutherglen (Wikipedia)
• Won premierships in 2019 and 2020 (Richmond FC)
• Traded to West Coast for pick 14 and future pick (Richmond FC)
• Suspended for round 1 2025 for dangerous tackle (AFL.com.au)
• Age 27, height 173 cm, 167 games as of 2024 (AFL Player Profile)

What’s unclear

• Current partner name (not publicly confirmed)
• Exact draft position (was undrafted rookie)

The implication: most details are well-sourced; only personal life remains private.

Key Quotes on Liam Baker’s Career

“Baker is a 173cm dynamo who plays with a ferocity that belies his size.”

Damien Hardwick, former Richmond coach (via AFL.com.au)

“Liam is a fierce competitor who brings relentless pressure and leadership to our squad.”

West Coast Eagles General Manager, club statement (West Coast Eagles)

“The tackle was careless and had high impact, warranting a one-match suspension.”

AFL Tribunal panel, ruling on Baker’s suspension (AFL.com.au)

Baker’s 2025 season began with a setback, but his track record suggests he will bounce back quickly. For West Coast, the trade for a two-time premiership player who led the club in disposals and tackles in his first year has already paid dividends. The real test lies in sustaining that form over a full season.

Related reading: Liam Baker trade and career timeline · Richmond trade deal for Liam Baker

For a comprehensive look at Liam Baker’s trade to West Coast and the suspension that followed, refer to Liam Bakers trade to West Coast for the full story.

Frequently asked questions