Liam Baker stars in Dreamtime at the MCG to earn nine coaches’ votes and finish second in Yiooken Trophy

Pingaring’s Liam Baker and Katanning’s Shai Bolton have both starred in Richmond’s impressive 32-point victory over Essendon in the Dreamtime at the ‘G fixture on Saturday night. The Tigers set up their fourth straight win with a five-goal second term with Baker one of the best players on the ground while Bolton booted two important goals. Playing across half-back, Baker collected the most coaches votes for his brilliant round 10 performance — earning nine votes out of a possible 10 from the two coaches. Baker amassed 30 disposals, including nine contested, to go with five marks, eight core involvements, six tackles, nine intercepts and 475m gained as the Tigers emerged victorious, 11.14 (80) to 7.6 (48). The former Lake Grace-Pingrup junior earned eight votes in the Yiooken Trophy, awarded to the player judged best on ground. Dion Prestia claimed the honour with 12 votes. Tigers coach Damien Hardwick heaped praise on dual-premiership star Baker post-match. “His last two weeks have been fantastic, his ability to win the ball and then start our offence has been very important,” Hardwick said. “When he was up forward, he was very valuable as well. “Guys like Liam Baker probably epitomise what our club’s about … he can play at multiple positions and just plays the game the Richmond way, which we love.” Katanning-born Bolton also starred in the Dreamtime win, finishing with 16 disposals, two goals and 397m gained in an electrifying display up forward. Bolton is currently averaging 18 disposals and two goals a game in what has been a brilliant 2022 campaign thus far.