Baker has been recalled to the Saints side despite not playing a game for the past three months because of injury and suspension.
But he says he is confident he can find his rhythm as early as possible.
“I’ve been training extra each week to get my touch up,” Baker said at the AFL grand final parade.
“Obviously match fitness might be down a touch but after the first five minutes you get into the game and hopefully back to normal.”
Baker was brought into the side at the expense of ruckman Ben McEvoy, who was a surprise exclusion after playing 18 games this season, including 16 of the past 17.
“Obviously it must’ve been a tough decision for the match committee. I’m really sad for Macca; he’s played a great year and played most of the games. It’s exciting to get my chance and I’m happy to be back in the side,” Baker said.
“I found out in the team meeting. Once the board was flipped around I saw my name there and a big smile came up on the face. It was all good but I felt really bad for Macca.”
Baker was set to make his return in the qualifying final win over Geelong but was a late withdrawal after he failed to recover from a toe injury.
“It put me back about a week or two. It was more a few match-ups in the last couple of weeks and it wasn’t the best for the team to get back in there. I got my chance and I’m pumped to be back.”
“I thought I was a slight chance (for the grand final). I’ve been training hard and doing what I can during the week but I thought I was 50-50.”
The close-checking Baker is a likely match for one of Collingwood’s dangerous small forwards but he said he was yet to be briefed on his role on Saturday.
“I’m not sure yet, we’ve got another quick meeting after the parade. I’ll find out later.”
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