AFL News

Richmond pair to follow former assistant coach to West Coast

Busy, busy day for the Eagles.

Published by
Aidan Cellini

Richmond premiership duo Liam Baker and Jack Graham will both land at West Coast during this upcoming off-season, following Andrew McQualter west after he was officially appointed the senior coach at the Eagles.

Baker made his intentions clear earlier in the year to head to Western Australia but hadn't selected a preferred club amid uncertainty at West Coast following Adam Simpson's departure.

Fremantle is understood to have considered the two-time premiership player but will ultimately miss out to the club he grew up barracking, with the close relationship with McQualter playing a pivotal role.

Baker is out of contract and will move through the trade period, with a first-round selection likely to satisfy the Tigers.

That could come as a result of the Tom Barrass move, with the key defender nominating Hawthorn as his preferred destination, which could be Pick 13.

As for Graham, he will depart through free agency, which opens on Friday, October 4.

The Eagles put forward a four-year deal that can't be matched, given his unrestricted free-agency status, despite Richmond attempting to retain the midfielder.

Both moves were made easy following the official McQualter news, with reports indicating he will sign a three-year deal.

The Eagles new senior coach spent six seasons (2017-2023) as an assistant under Damien Hardwick at Punt Road and filled the hot seat for the back half of the 2023 campaign.

After losing the Tigers' senior role to Adem Yze, McQualter headed to Melbourne for the 2024 season.

Published by
Aidan Cellini