West Coast star Liam Baker has launched an impassioned defence of Liam Duggan, declaring his fellow co-captain was not out of form and emphasising the importance of his leadership for a young group.

Baker also conceded he was not personally performing as well as he would like, but that he was confident both himself and his side could quickly bounce back from their 101-point humbling at the hands of St Kilda.

Duggan’s spot in the senior side had come under scrutiny on the back of a poor performance in the western derby drubbing by Fremantle, but the veteran defender retained his place for the Eagles’ huge loss to the Saints.

In an exclusive column for The Sunday Times last week, Fremantle champion Paul Hasleby said no player should be above being dropped from the senior side if their form does not warrant selection.

When asked how he had looked to support Duggan over recent weeks, Baker said the 207-gamer’s main concern was the team’s fortunes, rather than his own.

“Duggo’s been going alright, I think,” Baker said.

“He’s a great leader out there, he sets up behind the ball to make it easier behind the ball for blokes like Josh Lindsay.

“He’s a strong leader for us, as well as Loosh (Jake Waterman) and myself. We’re out there to help others and that’s his best asset.

“I’m sure Duggo will be fine.”

Baker has been swung from defence into a new role as a defensive forward in recent weeks and was well below his best on Sunday, being graded at a 1 out of 10 by Danielle Laidley in her player ratings for The West.

He downplayed the significance of his positional shift, saying he was used to being thrown around the ground throughout his career.

“I’d say I’m in OK form, but just reflecting on the team in the last few weeks, you’d like to be playing better,” Baker said.

“Us as leaders, we want to be playing better and leading the team. On the weekend, it probably wasn’t up to scratch.”

The experience in the Eagles’ ranks has been thinned further by the long-term loss of Jack Graham, who last week underwent shoulder surgery, which is expected to sideline him for up to three months.

Baker said the tough on-baller was “going all right” and backed him to play a part at the back-end of their season.

“He’s been around the club a bit in the last few days,” he said.

“He’s a warrior as well, he’s back into rehab, and he’ll be pushing as hard as he can to get back out there as soon as possible. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him again this year.”

Without Graham and Deven Robertson, young midfielder Tom Gross will be among the candidates for an AFL call-up against Richmond on Saturday on the back of a 22-disposal, three-goal showing in the WAFL.

Baker said good clubs rewarded good form in the reserves.

“Off such a long lay-off for Grossy — I think he missed seven weeks with a hammy, and he had an interrupted pre-season before that — it’s great to see him come in after one or two games and get straight back into the form he was in last year,” he said.

“He’s a smart player, Grossy, he knows how to find the ball, and he’s damaging once he gets it. I’m sure his turn won’t be far away.”

Harry Edwards trained again on Wednesday morning, with Baker saying it had been great to see the key defender reintegrate with the group after suffering two concussions within the span of three weeks earlier in the season.

“I think he went through his protocols and ticked all the boxes,” Baker said.

“It’ll be exciting to see him play WAFL footy this week and hopefully he’s up for (AFL) selection in the weeks to come.”