John Worsfold Medal: Liam Baker named West Coast Eagles’ best and fairest in first season at club

Mitchell Woodcock

The West Australian

2 Min Read

3 hours ago

Updated

3 hours ago

Liam Baker has won this year’s Worsfold Medal. Credit: Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Liam Baker has become the first man in the AFL era to win West Coast’s best and fairest in his maiden campaign at the club.

The off-season recruit was on Saturday night crowned this year’s John Worsfold medallist, holding off a pair of rising guns to cap an impressive debut year in the west after crossing from Richmond.

Baker polled 338 votes to win ahead of third-year defender Reuben Ginbey (286) and star midfielder Harley Reid (267) as the club capped their 2025 season at Crown Perth’s Grand Ballroom.

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Baker was one of just two Eagles to feature in all 23 games this year, leading the team in disposals, contested possessions and inside-50s while playing a variety of roles.

It came after the 27-year-old was traded to West Coast at the end of last season after winning two premierships at Richmond and finishing in the top six of their fairest and best for previous five years including coming runner-up in 2021.

Baker becomes the first man since Steve Malaxos in the Eagles’ inaugural 1987 campaign to be crowned club champion in his first year at the WA club.

Ginbey was acknowledged for his breakout season after finding a role as an undersized full-back to finish runner-up, while also being named the club’s Best Defensive Player.

Reuben Ginbey and Harley Reid finished on the podium in West Coast’s Worsfold Medal count. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

Having signed a much-anticipated contract extension last month, Reid snared a third-place finish after polling strongly in the second half of his sophomore season.

Reid polled 173 votes in only 10 games between rounds nine and 19, a stretch where the young star averaged 21 disposals and four clearances while also kicking eight goals.

But he missed out on a chance to snare a maiden John Worsfold Medal after injury in the round 20 western derby defeat saw him miss the final four games of the season.

Jack Graham finished fourth with 254 votes, while promising defender Brady Hough (252) was fifth.

Ryan Maric, Liam Duggan, Liam Ryan, Elijah Hewett and Jamie Cripps all finished in the top 10.

Eagles co-captain Duggan created history when he won consecutive Chris Mainwaring Medals as the best clubman, the third time he’s received the award having also won it in 2021.

Liam Duggan carried a big load for the Eagles this year. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

Second-year midfielder Clay Hall was named the 2025 Emerging Talent after playing 13 games, including an impressive finish to the year when he averaged 17 disposals, three tackles and three clearances in his final nine games.

Veteran forward Jamie Cripps took home the leading goal kicker award for the first time in his career with 24 goals in 21 games.

Thomas Edwards-Baldwin was named West Coast’s WAFL best and fairest ahead of runner-up Jack Petruccelle, who was de-listed by the Eagles at the end of the year.