Border Mail Round 6 – Preview

After making finals last season the Brookers were handed a tough draw and have played all of last years finalists in the opening rounds.

Baker said while the Brookers now faced an uphill battle to make finals there was still plenty of time to turn around their season.

“We have had a couple of close losses and have had a few injuries which has exposed our lack of depth and put us on the back foot.

“Its been good though because we have played a few of the young blokes and have had a lot more first gamers this year compared to the previous year.

“But it looks like being another tight competition again.”

Baker said recruits Andrew and Brendan Dess had slotted well into the side.

Andrew has booted 15 goals to sit second on the goalkicking table behind Adam Prior on 18.

“Andrew has impressed and gives us a big marking target deep in attack,” he said.

“I don’t think Holbrook has had a big power forward since probably Michael Lamb was playing.

“Andrew and Brendan are the main reason why I’m playing again this year.

“We have been trying to play together for 10-years and its finally come to fruition.

“They are my best mates and I played alongside Brendan when Tallangatta won the flag 2015.”

Baker has found himself in a different role this season, switching from the ruck to defence.

Developing tall Randal Taylor has been playing prominently in the ruck.

With Baker spending a lot of time at fullback including playing on Damian Cupido in the opening round.

“I’ve rucked my whole career including last year where I was in there every minute of every game,” he said.

“But this year we put a first gamer in the ruck because we didn’t have anyone to play on Cupido.

“He got one kick up to three-quarter time and I got put in the ruck in the last quarter and he bobbed up with 3.3 and won the game for them.

“I also played fullback against Brock-Burrum and kept Josh Spencer to one goal.

“But then against Culcairn and Osborne I was back in the ruck.”