Liam Baker “still in shock” after heavy Eagles loss, reacts to surprise Richmond win

West Coast Eagles recruit Liam Baker has admitted he was stunned by the team’s disappointing Round 1 performance against Gold Coast.

Baker exclaimed he is still in shock at how poorly his new side performed as he made his debut in royal blue and gold.

Speaking on SEN WA Breakfast, the 27-year-old reflected on the Eagles’ inability to shift momentum throughout their 87-point defeat in new coach Andrew McQualter’s first game at the helm.

“I’m still in a bit of shock really,” the former Richmond player said.

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

“The way that we couldn't really swing momentum our way, pretty much at all during the whole game is the most disappointing thing.

“Credit to Gold Coast. I played them Round 1 last year in a very similar game - although the scoreboard wasn’t quite that bad - and I remember learning a lot from their midfield craft, their stoppage and contest work.

“I’m assuming it’s going to be the same this week. We’re going to dive into that and we’ll be right this week and going forward.”

Baker was particularly frustrated by how dominant Gold Coast’s midfield was, making life difficult for West Coast’s backline.

“That was a challenge for our mids and for us (in the backline), is how dominant they were,” he said.

“It’s not good enough from us… we need to butter up and be a lot better this week.”

With young star Harley Reid receiving plenty of on-field attention, Baker believes it’s important to help him manage the added pressure.

“Maybe just getting around (him) a bit and make him aware that that's gonna happen when you're a talented player like he is,” Baker said.

“He's still learning how to play the game, how to receive attention like that, and he's still a young kid.”

Baker also addressed teammate Tim Kelly’s recent comments about his struggles with motivation, saying he was surprised to hear them.

“When I heard that in the pre-season, it sort of surprised me a bit,” he said.

“He seemed like he was heavily invested. I’m not going to judge him based off that game.”

Looking ahead to this week’s clash with reigning premiers Brisbane, Baker is relishing the challenge of facing one of the league’s top teams.

“I know it’s just going to be a contested game. So, that’s exactly what we’re after,” he said.

“There’s nothing better than playing the best team in the comp.”

Despite leaving Richmond in the off-season, Baker admitted he couldn’t help but get caught up in the emotion of watching his old side last Thursday night.

The Tigers came from 41 points down to beat the Blues against all odds and the two-time premiership player was thrilled to see his former teammates perform so well.

“I was a bit neutral watching the game in the first half, but as soon as they started coming, I was far from neutral,” he said.

“I was up and about on the couch and trying to get the boys over the line.

“They were amazing, good on them.

“I messaged ‘Shorty’ (Jayden Short) and ‘Kaps’ (Kamdyn McIntosh) as I always do and all the other boys.

“At the end of the game I was still up and about, it was good to see.

“Pretty much everyone didn’t give them a chance so I’m sure they’ll be buzzing around the club this week.”

Baker and his current Eagles teammates are next in against the Lions at the Gabba on Sunday afternoon.