6 days ago
Revealed: The heartbreaking reason AFL star is the only player in his team who wears a black armband every game
Western Bulldogs midfielder Oskar Baker carries a reminder of a family tragedy on his arm in every game he plays as he pays tribute to his late mother by wearing black tape on his arm.
Baker, 27, has been on the fringes for his entire footy career following his debut with Melbourne in 2018.
He is yet to chalk up 50 appearances, but is a fan favourite thanks to his energy and tenacity.
Born in Queensland, he was cut from the Brisbane Lions academy in 2015 and privately feared his footy career was over before it started.
Baker's life was then turned upside down in 2017 when his mother Trudie died of cancer - and the black tape is a nod to her each time he steps out onto the field.
'Mum in many ways was my biggest supporter,' he said in an interview on the Demons website after he was drafted.
'One of the last things I said to Mum before she passed was "I'll achieve my AFL dream and get onto an AFL list".
'She would be unbelievably proud.'
Baker then moved to the Western Bulldogs in 2023, but opportunities have been scarce.
Off contract at the end of the season, Baker knows big performances leading into September could result in finals footy - and potentially a new deal, be it under Luke Beveridge or elsewhere next year.
Meanwhile, Beveridge has refused to confirm if the Bulldogs are interested in Carlton star Jack Silvagni.
Collingwood and Essendon are also said to be interested in adding the defender to their roster for 2026 and beyond.
'I think with any free agent like Jack, every club's antenna is up,' Beveridge said ahead of his team's clash against the Demons on Sunday at the MCG.
'But I've always maintained the line of not talking about who we're chatting with behind the scenes, just purely out of respect for our playing group.
'Some of our lads (are) still uncontracted, they don't need to be thinking too much about who might take their spot.
'And also probably out of respect for someone like that he's got to spend time at his current club, if he is planning to move on.'
