Richmond has been forced to rule out Liam Baker for Saturday night's clash with the Western Bulldogs due to a corked leg.
The Tigers - who have welcomed back experienced trio Dion Prestia, Noah Balta and Jack Graham - have been whacked by the injury stick in 2024, with Baker the latest casualty to miss.
Noah Cumberland will replace Liam Baker (corked leg) in the team for tomorrow night’s match against the Western Bulldogs.
Steely Green has been added to the squad of 26 as an emergency. pic.twitter.com/SpBg0dApsQ
— Richmond FC 🐯 (@Richmond_FC) May 10, 2024
The 26-year-old has been replaced by in-form forward Noah Cumberland, who gets his first crack at AFL level in 2024.
Cumberland has been a consistent performer for the VFL side, hitting the scoreboard often and finding plenty of the football as a dangerous half-forward.
Games experience named on this week's @AFL website injury list
1026 - RICH
1025 - CARL
938 - BRIS
763 - PORT
745 - COLL
602 - MELB
491 - WCE
490 - STK
468 - SYD
445 - WBD
429 - FREM
381 - GEEL
368 - GWS HAW
326 - ESS
238 - ADEL
178 - GCS
140 - NTH— Swamp (@sirswampthing) May 7, 2024
Baker's absence will be pronounced given his incredible form to start the season in a year where he has a significant career decision to make.
The Western Australian is coming out of contract at the cessation of the 2024 campaign, with home state clubs West Coast and Fremantle tipped to make a play for the utility.
Reports have indicated that Baker is likely to depart the Tigers, but with the majority of the season to go, there is plenty to play out.
Baker's absence is compounded by key outs like Jacob Hopper, Tim Taranto, Tom Lynch, Josh Gibcus and Jack Ross.
The Round 9 clash at the MCG kicks off at 7.30 pm (AEST).
