So, Saturday night at Crown Perth? Absolute scenes. The place was buzzing, and for good reason: Liam Baker, who honestly just got here, walks away with the Eagles’ best and fairest. That’s right, Baker’s first year in blue and gold, and he’s already collecting medals like he’s picking up groceries. Not bad for a bloke who had half the footy world side-eyeing that blockbuster trade with Richmond.
Straight Outta Tigerland
Baker rocked up last summer, everyone’s eyebrows basically glued to the ceiling about what the club gave up to get him. West Coast handed over pick 3, brought in pick 12, Matt Owies, and Baker himself. Yeah, people talked. “Too much? Too soon?” Turns out, the guy just gets it done. Grit, leadership, and you can’t ignore how steady he was all year.
He snagged 338 votes—yep, that’s a decent gap over the young guns, Ginbey (286) and Reid (267). Those two are meant to be the future, but Baker said, “Let me show you how it’s done.”
“It’s special to pull this jumper on and lead these young blokes,” Baker said on stage, probably still trying to process the whole thing.
Mr. Everywhere
Baker didn’t waste time settling in. Top of the charts for disposals (22.1 a game), contested stuff (9.4), and groundballs (7.6). Mostly played down back but, honestly, he’s like a Swiss Army knife—pops up in the middle, even sneaks forward when no one’s watching. Tough as nails, cool as ice. By the end, he’s even captain for the last couple rounds. Talk about instant impact.
Young Guns Nipping at His Heels
Reuben Ginbey—big lad, 191cm—moved to defense full-time this year and just started shutting blokes down left and right. He’s still under 21 and already locking up the best forwards. Finishing second in the count? That says plenty.
Harley Reid, on the other hand, just went turbo for ten weeks in the middle of the season. He racked up 173 votes in that stretch alone. Clearance king, explosive at the contest, and honestly, you can see why everyone’s hyped about him.
More Shoutouts From the Night
- Best Defensive Player: Reuben Ginbey—no surprises there
- Chris Mainwaring Medal (Best Clubman): Liam Duggan—his third! The bloke’s basically the team’s heartbeat at this point
- Emerging Talent: Clay Hall—watch this space
2025 Worsfold Medal Leaderboard
- Liam Baker – 338
- Reuben Ginbey – 286
- Harley Reid – 267
- Jack Graham – 254
- Brady Hough – 252
- Ryan Maric – 243
- Liam Duggan – 241
- Liam Ryan – 224
- Elijah Hewett – 221
- Jamie Cripps – 220
So, What’s the Vibe?
Yeah, the Eagles only won one game all year (ouch), but honestly, nights like this are about what’s next, not what just happened. Baker brings some fire and experience, Ginbey looks like he’s building a fortress in defense, and Reid? If he keeps going, he’s the next midfield beast. That’s your spine for the rebuild, right there.
For Baker, it’s not just another medal to chuck in the cabinet. It’s his stamp on a club that’s desperate for a new era. Feels like the torch is getting passed, and he’s the guy running with it.
The John Worsfold Medal in 2025? Not just a pat on the back for one bloke, but a big ol’ hint that West Coast’s future might not be as grim as the ladder says. Eagles fans, you’ve got something to hang your hat on—finally.
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