POLL : Fringe Focus : Oskar Baker

[Grantysghost]

Continuing the series with the Padua Pirate himself, Oskar Baker.

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Before landing at the Kennel, Oskar Baker took the long road to the AFL. Originally from Queensland, he came through the Aspley Hornets system before being drafted by Melbourne in 2017. A quick and lightly built winger, he spent several years bouncing between Casey and the Demons’ senior side, showing glimpses of his pace and ball use but never fully cementing a role. After 15 games across five seasons in red and blue, he was delisted — only to get a lifeline from the Bulldogs as a delisted free agent at the end of 2022.

Since joining the Bulldogs, Baker has been the classic fringe winger, in and out of the side, but always right on the edge of selection. His debut season in red, white and blue showed real promise: his gut running and ability to link defence to attack suited Bevo’s outside game plan, and he added much needed pace to a side often criticised for being too slow on the spread.

His most prolific year with us was 2023 where he played 18 games and kicked 6 goals.

This season he continued his patchy run early before cementing a spot on return v Essendon in RD 21 that saw him finish the season with 5 games in a row and show that he's still got something to offer.

Pros:

• Genuine outside pace and endurance
• Neat delivery on both sides when in space
• Good club citizen and depth option
• Pirate

Cons:

• Inconsistent impact over four quarters
• Can fade out of games
• Pirate friends can be dangerous

Poll Question : At the end of Oskar Baker's current contract (now) what would you do?

[Grantysghost]

I would keep Oskar. I think the end to his season was strong including his games at Footscray to help the VFL side win the flag. He shows genuine commitment to the contest and can spread like not many in the side. He is still improving which is a big tick for me, and I think the late run of games will really help with his confidence going into next season.

[GVGjr]

He won me over this year. He could be a very effective 5th player on the bench as well

[Grantysghost]

He won me over this year. He could be a very effective 5th player on the bench as well

Great point re the bench be really interesting to see how clubs approach it. Having Oskar there could be a nice play.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Keep.

He's been a frustrating player at times; his best is clearly good enough for the level, but he hasn't been able to consistently put it on display. Thought he was stiff to be dropped earlier in the year after having an impact in the sub role for a few games.

His form late was really encouraging and seemed to have a harder edge. If he can bring that every week I wont mind the odd error here or there.

Strikes me big time as a player who thrives on confidence.

[Grantysghost]

Keep.

He's been a frustrating player at times; his best is clearly good enough for the level, but he hasn't been able to consistently put it on display. Thought he was stiff to be dropped earlier in the year after having an impact in the sub role for a few games.

His form late was really encouraging and seemed to have a harder edge. If he can bring that every week I wont mind the odd error here or there.

Strikes me big time as a player who thrives on confidence.

That last sentence is aligned with my thinking. I'm so glad he got a good run at it towards the end of the season.

[Bornadog]

My biggest concerns with him are GG's "cons" - Tends to disappear in matches but can impact in bursts. For me keep him but the jury is still out.

[jazzadogs]

Right now, he's definitely a keep.

Whether he gets another contract in (I assume) 12 months time is much harder to predict. Hopefully he gets a consistent season with plenty of AFL football, showcasing his best abilities. I think Brendan McCartney would have liked the way he "cracks in", but he needs to do it more consistently.

[FrediKanoute]

He won me over this year. He could be a very effective 5th player on the bench as well

I agree. Won me over, just seems to have that grit

[Grantysghost]

Oskar has really won people over ! Love it.

16/16 so far for keep.

[Mofra]

He's aggressive and he moves the ball forward. I'd prefer that to a meek guy who handballs backwards as a first option.

I actually don't care if he's "only" getting 15 touches. He does a lot right and from the outside looking in he seems "coachable".

[Axe Man]

Steve!
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[Mitcha]

I like Oskar, untidy, unfashionable but always plays with passion and spirit. Knows his role and doesn't try to over complicate. I can forgive some of his brain fades as he at least tries to take the game on which coaches mostly can live with. Has good leg speed which we don't have a lot of, works hard between the arcs and holds his width well as a winger meaning his team mates can use him to get the ball into space when under pressure. Keep as every club needs foot soldiers to complement the higher profile types.

[Grantysghost]

There's a theme coming through here and that's the role of effort and our appreciation for it.
Doesn't matter your skill level you can always apply effort.

Loving the love.

[lemmon]

I'm an Oskar fan, but voted for a role change.

I think he could be effective in that half forward / pressure small that Laith and McNeil are in at the moment. He's got great pace and attack on the ball, and he also tends to be a nice finisher in front of goal.

I could see him carving out a pretty handy career as that Sam Powell-Pepper type defensive forward.