Oscar Allen and Liam Duggan were hand-picked to be the face of West Coast’s rebuild.

Co-captains tasked with guiding an extremely wounded and vulnerable Eagles through the toughest period in the club’s history.

But instead, Duggan’s season was poor and Allen is packing his bags for Brisbane.

You may think Allen’s decision to leave is a disaster. But his departure is the perfect opportunity for the Eagles to hit the reset button.

A new captain is a no-brainer to accompany a young coach with fresh ideas. A captain who is unconditional in their effort, dedication and commitment to winning.

And there is one man for the job — Liam Baker.

The 27-year-old came to the west from Richmond at the end of 2024, departing a club which has oozed professionalism in their approach to winning.

He has signed a five-year contract at West Coast, making him a great option for skipper.

As captain Baker would inject his intensity, accountability, and the toughness to a club that looks flat, uninspired and weak.

His versatility also means he can influence and lead from all parts of the field, which is invaluable in this young inexperienced side.

Since his debut in 2018, Baker already has a sparkling resume.

He’s finished in the top six of Richmond’s best and fairest five years in a row, has two premierships and is consistent averaging 20.3, 19.1, 19.0 and 19.9 disposals in the past four years.

In his last season at Richmond, where they also finished last like West Coast this year, Baker was vice-captain so has experience in leading a young impressionable side.

In Baker’s short time at the Eagles, he has already demonstrated strong leadership qualities through his consistent performances and competitive nature.

Baker is the only player in the competition this year to average 20-plus disposals, nine-plus contested possessions and five-plus intercept possessions.

In comparison to last year, Baker has jumped from 102nd to 77th in AFL ratings, increased his average metres gained by 51 and his intercept possessions by 2.7 per game.

Baker’s stats on disposals, ground-ball gets, and contested possessions are also up from last season.

He was selected as captain for the last two games of the season for the Eagles following the suspension of Duggan, indicating he is likely already in the running to lead the club next year.

Following a 71-point loss to Carlton in round five, Baker was not afraid to mince words post-game sharing his disappointment in the group.

“I’m still in a bit of shock really,” he said at the time.

“I expected more, so did the players, so did our fans.”

For those who argue that he needs more experience at the club before taking on the role, just look at Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson.

Dawson joined Adelaide for the 2022 season and was captain by the next year.

In his second year of captaincy, he has led his side to a minor premiership and is a favourite to be this season’s All Australian captain in my opinion.

He’s living proof it can work.

Duggan, meanwhile, could benefit from relinquishing leadership.

He had a poor season by just about every key metric.

Champion Data shows that the defender has gone backwards in kicking efficiency, disposals, tackles, contested and intercept possessions, marks and metres gained in comparison to his 2024 season.

He represents mediocrity in team that desperately needs more from its skipper.

This team need boldness and guts.

Duggan needs to focus on producing consistent performances in defence.

Some players rise to the responsibility of being captain in their on-field performances, whereas some struggle with the weight of added responsibility.

It seems clears now that Duggan could really benefit from the added expectation being removed.

Leadership isn’t about tenure; it’s about impact and Baker is the star that can bring it.

And if West Coast want to send a clear message to the team that mediocrity is not acceptable, they need to make some big changes.

Forget priority picks, a culture led by a competitive and unwavering leader is what they need.