Football commentator Kane Cornes suggests that Richmond should capitalize on Liam Baker’s trade value, especially after news broke that he had purchased a property in Perth.
Baker, who was previously a target for West Coast, seems inclined to return to his home state. Cornes believes that this presents an opportunity for Richmond to trade Baker for draft picks, possibly even fetching a top-five selection.
Kane Cornes suggests that Richmond should trade Liam Baker and other players to acquire draft capital. He believes that by replenishing their list with younger players, Richmond can maintain a balance between experienced and new talent. Cornes specifically mentions the possibility of trading Baker for a first-round pick to West Coast or Fremantle, both of which have multiple picks.
Fremantle has acquired several first-round picks for the upcoming draft through a pick-swap with Port Adelaide and the trade involving Lachie Schultz to Collingwood.
Kane Cornes believes that obtaining a first-round pick would likely be necessary to trade Liam Baker from Richmond, although he doesn’t expect it to be a top-five pick.
He suggests that future picks and pick splitting could be options in the trade. Cornes emphasizes that he values Baker as a player but sees this as an opportunity for Richmond to capitalize on his trade value given their current situation.
West Coast recently appointed Matt Clarke as their list manager, who was previously Richmond’s national recruiting manager and instrumental in bringing Baker to the Tigers.
There’s speculation that West Coast could receive an assistance package from the AFL if they finish in the bottom three for a third consecutive season, as suggested by Essendon legend Tim Watson earlier in the week.
