Leon Baker

Player Stats

Biography

One of those prodigiously talented individuals who seem able to rack up numerous possessions almost without trying, Leon Baker might conceivably have achieved much more in league football had he not been such a late starter. When he made his debut with Swan Districts in 1981 he was already approaching twenty-five years of age, having played all his earlier senior football with such country teams as Avenel, Seymour and South Bunbury.

He was an immediate and pronounced success at Swans, vying for best afield honours with team mate Graham Melrose in the 1982 grand final win over Claremont, and earning a club fairest and best award the following year. Courageous, tough and abundantly skilled, he was as close to the ideal centreman as could be imagined.

A five season, 86 game stint with Essendon in the VFL followed, and did nothing to diminish his reputation.

Leon Baker represented West Australia at state of origin level on three occasions, and was selected in the 1985 All Australian team. Despite the brevity of his stay at Swan Districts, he was chosen as centreman in the club's official 'Team of the Century'.

Author - John Devaney