Great Southern duo Liam Baker and Shai Bolton finish inside top five of Richmond’s best and fairest

Pingaring football star Liam Baker was rewarded for an outstanding AFL season when he tied for second place in Richmond’s best and fairest last week.

Katanning-born Shai Bolton joined Baker in the top five of the Jack Dyer Medal for the Tigers after they missed out on playing finals in 2021.

Premiership defender Dylan Grimes claimed his first Jack Dyer Medal, polling 51 votes across his 21 games.

Baker was tied for second alongside tough midfielder Jack Graham, the pair receiving 46 votes.

Bolton, who recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Tigers, finished fourth after earning 45 votes in a career-best season.

Stars Dustin Martin and Jack Riewoldt were equal fifth on 40 votes.

Baker played all 22 games for the Tigers and was used in a number of roles, playing in defence, as a forward and through the midfield.

He averaged 20 disposals, four marks, three inside-50s, 4.6 intercepts, four score involvements and 2.8 tackles per match.

Bolton took the field in 20 matches this season and was a shining light in a midfield-forward role.

He averaged 19 touches, four marks, 6.1 score involvements, 2.8 tackles, 3.6 clearances per match, plus 23 goals and a mark of the year contender.