STEVEN Baker’s career with the Strathfieldsaye Storm appears to be over.
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The former St Kilda hard man is battling hip and foot injuries and Storm coach Darryl Wilson is planning for life without the 34-year-old.
“He’ll struggle to get up this season,’’ Wilson said of Baker.
“He has spurs on his hip and a foot injury… they are wear and tear issues which is a shame because we’re going to miss him.”
Baker played 12 games for the Storm in 2014 and was one of the club’s best players in its historic grand final win over Sandhurst.
Best known as a tagger or defender in his 203-game career with St Kilda, Baker was predominantly used as a defensive forward in his one season with the Storm.
“His defensive pressure in the grand final last year was sensational,’’ Wilson said of Baker.
Baker’s role will be taken over by another former AFL player – David Gallagher.
The former Adelaide and Carlton midfielder has played two games for the Storm this season.
“Gallagher is very good in close, not as physical as Bakes, but very determined to be a defender before he attacks,’’ Wilson said.
“In the third quarter last Saturday (versus Golden Square) he just started to get his hands on the ball.
“He’s been playing under some duress and he’s only going to get better as the season goes on.”
The only unbeaten team in the BFNL after three rounds, the Storm host Castlemaine on Anzac Day.
Key forward Tom Bartholomew and tagger Kellan Smith look set to return to the Storm side.
Wilson said Stephen Milne was a “50-50” chance at best to play against the Magpies, while full-forward Sam Milden was “unlikely” to play.