Welcome to the Kennel- Oskar Baker

[Testekill]

https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/1254865/

Oskar Baker will continue his AFL career in red, white and blue after signing as rookie for the upcoming 2023 season.

The 24-year-old officially put pen to paper on the opening day of the pre-season supplemental selection period, leaving one spot available on the Bulldogs’ playing list ahead of the new campaign.
Baker crosses to the Bulldogs after playing 15 games across five seasons for Melbourne, having been a part of the Casey Demons VFL flag this season.
The Queensland product will bring speed to the wing, and add further depth and versatility to the Dogs’ midfield.
Bulldogs’ General Manager of List and Recruiting, Sam Power was pleased to welcome Baker to the Kennel.
“Oskar comes to us with really exciting attributes that complement the current make up of our midfield,” Power said.
“We felt it was important to add more speed to the group, particularly on the wing, and think Oskar will make an immediate impact.
“Oskar comes out of a successful program with five seasons of AFL experience and a fantastic work ethic. He is a great person that will be a welcome addition to our football program in the months to come.”

He's cheap and will probably only start off with a one year deal so minimal risk for maybe some reward.

[G-Mo77]

Don't see anything worthwhile here, much like Tim O'Brien in the past. I personally would have preferred to take a pick in the ND or RD, Ithink we could have done better there. Hope I am so wrong but don't expect to be.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Don't see anything worthwhile here, much like Tim O'Brien in the past. I personally would have preferred to take a pick in the ND or RD, Ithink we could have done better there. Hope I am so wrong but don't expect to be.

Tend to agree.

Senior experience/depth is fine, but only if they can actually contribute.

He's played 15 games in FIVE years? Surely another pick in the draft would have been worthwhile.

I would have preferred Narkle if we wanted a discard.

[Axe Man]

Baker is probably a low chance of being a success but with a contending list we need to strike a balance between development and having mature depth ready to be called upon during the year. Hopefully he goes well and provides a wing option for the team.

[GVGjr]

We had flagged our intention to select him so fine but I wonder why we signed him now?
Why not wait to see if there are injuries we need to cover?

[Happy Days]

Seems pointless and like a downgrade on Hunter but gotta sign someone I guess.

So we have one spot left now yes? Wonder if we can be bothered trying to develop someone or if we’re too scared they’ll end up bad.

[Sedat]

Don't mind this. It's a moneyball play in a specific area of need. Baker's development has clearly stalled the last couple of years behind Ed Langdon, which is no disgrace - Langdon has probably been the best wingman in the competition in 2021-22.

[bornadog]

[bulldogtragic]

Don't mind this. It's a moneyball play in a specific area of need. Baker's development has clearly stalled the last couple of years behind Ed Langdon, which is no disgrace - Langdon has probably been the best wingman in the competition in 2021-22.

Ditto. Not every signing is exciting and I’m not doing cartwheels. But we need some mature depth on the wing and the club thought from pre-ND he was the best option and convinced him to bypass the ND & RD. Assuming it’s a one year contract (being on the rookie list) it’s worth the move to grab him. I hope he goes well with more opportunity and a fresh start.

[Grantysghost]

He's got a head straight from an 80s footy card.

24 going on 44.

[chef]

He looks like a Prince Harry/Heath Shaw mash up.

[Grantysghost]

He looks like a Prince Harry/Heath Shaw mash up.

Haha

[Sedat]

He looks like a Prince Harry/Heath Shaw mash up.

One half inexhorably dull SIMP, one half mad as a cut snake but entertaining.

[bornadog]

[F'scary]

I think his nick name should be "Speedy"