Off-contract Richmond gun Liam Baker has met with keen rival West Coast, with the dual premiership Tiger heading to Western Australia during the club's bye week.
Baker, a product from regional WA town Pingaring, is yet to settle on his future beyond this year amid interest from the Eagles and Fremantle.
The 26-year-old is said to be considering a return to his home state or remaining at Punt Road, with the hard-nosed utility seen as the club's priority re-signing despite having the likes of Dustin Martin, Dion Prestia, Jack Graham and Dylan Grimes still unsigned for 2025.
Baker, who is in his seventh season with Richmond, is not eligible for free agency, meaning a trade would need to be agreed to for the Tigers player to secure a move elsewhere.
While Fremantle are the better-placed side given their trio of first-round selections for this year's National Draft, it has been revealed that the Eagles have met with Baker during his time back in WA.
According toย 7 Newsย reporter Mitch Cleary, Baker held talks with the Perth powerhouse this week during his time off.
"Liam Baker had his break back home, then spent (Thursday) in Perth meeting with the West Coast Eagles," Cleary said on Friday night.
"He's out of contract this year. The Eagles and Dockers are both super keen on Liam Baker.
"The fact he met with the Eagles in his mid-season break gives him something to think about in the run home."
A first-round pick is likely to be involved in any deal for Baker, with West Coast's opening selection currently sitting at Pick 3 - one selection behind Richmond's opening-round pick.
Stepping into a midfield role in the absence of several injured onballers, Baker had one of his best performances this year against West Coast in Round 5, collecting 25 disposals and a goal in a loss at Optus Stadium.
Baker has played 121 games for Richmond since being drafted as a Rookie in 2017, and has finished in the top six for the club's past four best and fairest counts, including an equal-second place finish in 2021.
Boasting strong leadership qualities, Baker is a flexible asset for the Tigers given his ability to play through the middle, across half-back or as a damaging pressure player in the front half of the field.
