Steven Baker

Recruited from the Geelong Falcons with pick 27 in the 1998 National Draft, Steven Baker carved out a career as one of the AFL's most tenacious and controversial taggers. While he lacked the polish of some of his superstar teammates, Baker compensated with relentless work rate and disciplined, close-checking defence. He became the Saints' designated stopper, tasked with shutting down dangerous small forwards and elite midfielders, a role he performed with such efficiency that he was affectionately known as "The Glove" by the St Kilda faithful. His value to the side was formally recognised in 2005 when he won the Trevor Barker Award as the club's best and fairest player.

Baker was a central figure in St Kilda's successful era under Ross Lyon, playing in the 2009 and 2010 Grand Final series. However, his aggressive approach often trod a fine line, and his career was punctuated by frequent appearances at the tribunal. Most notably, a high-profile clash with Geelong's Steve Johnson in 2010 resulted in a nine-week suspension that impacted his standing in the wider football community. He retired at the end of the 2011 season as a 200-game player and life member, remembered as a fierce competitor who consistently sacrificed his own game for the team's defensive structure.