West Coast star Liam Baker sends Eagles’ fans into a spin with picture with Andrew McQualter and Dustin Martin

Liam Baker sent the tongues of West Coast fans wagging with a cheeky pic of Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin dining out with himself and West Coast coach Andrew McQualter on Wednesday night.

Martin has been in Perth this week for undisclosed reasons, first appearing for a run at Revo Fitness Stadium — the home ground of Claremont — on Tuesday, with the club releasing a pic of the superstar.

However, it was Bakers’ story on Instagram which had himself, the three-time Norm Smith medallist Martin, McQualter and former Richmond star Josh Caddy appearing to be at dinner which caught the attention.

The newly crowned John Worsfold medallist was clearly teasing the fans with “Discussing 2026” as the caption.

The West Australian understands senior West Coast officials were not aware the retired Richmond great was in town this week and it had nothing to do with the club.

Martin has been retired since late 2024, ending his career after three premierships at the Tigers and 302 games as well as a Brownlow Medal in 2017.

The 35-year-old has kept a low profile since he stepped away from the game despite previous links to Gold Coast to rejuvenate his career under former coach Damien Hardwick.

Martin is a former teammate of both Baker and Caddy, playing in two premierships with each of them in their time at Punt Road.

McQualter — who is coming off his first year as coach of the Eagles — also has a connection with Martin through the Tigers having been his line coach for several seasons as well as caretaker coach in 2023 when Hardwick suddenly stepped down.

West Coast have not been afraid to bring in a Richmond-esque flavour to the club in recent years with McQualter as well as Baker and midfielder Jack Graham crossing to the club in the past 12 months.

They are also currently locked in negotiations with the Tigers for 196cm defender Tylar Young who is out of contract and wants to land at West Coast on a three-year deal.

Caddy — who played in the 2017 and 2019 premierships alongside Martin — moved to Albany this year where he has played for the Royals in the Great Southern Football League.