Ted Baker

A diminutive but highly skilled rover, Ted Baker’s career was defined by his exceptional disposal and a unique journey that saw him captain a premiership side before making a shock mid-season switch. Born in Maryborough and raised in Wonthaggi, he first emerged as a country recruit for Carlton in 1920, managing just a single appearance before crossing to Collingwood two years later. At Victoria Park, he established himself as a polished left-footer with a deadly stab kick, playing alongside his brother Reg in the Magpies' midfield. After two seasons, Baker drifted out of the VFL for several years, presumably returning to country football, before resurfacing at Geelong in 1927 to begin the most significant chapter of his career.

Baker’s time at Corio Oval was nothing short of a golden era. He became a pivotal figure in the Cats' lineup, eventually ascending to the captaincy and leading the club to the 1931 Premiership. However, his tenure as a premiership skipper had a bizarre conclusion; after playing just five games into their title defence in 1932, he was cleared back to his former club, Collingwood, finishing the season in black and white. He played out the final games of his VFL life with Footscray in 1934, retiring as a highly respected leader and one of the few players to captain a flag-winning side only to depart the club midway through the following season.