on the Monday following the game. Barker would play a further 17 games for the season to cement his place in the senior team, averaging 14 disposals a game in his first year. First Best & Fairest 1976 In the 1976 VFL season, which was Allan Jeans last season as St Kilda coach, Barker was moved to defence. He was often matched on bigger-sized opponents, acquitting himself superbly in just his second season. Excited by the challenge, Barker's athleticism, courage and competitiveness throughout the season was obvious. Averaging 12 disposals a game, he relentlessly placed himself in position to challenge his opponents, his courage rewarded with 49 free kicks by the field umpires during the season, conceding just 13 for the year. Barker was recognized for his skill and courage at the end-of-season awards; he won the first of two club Best and Fairest awards and was St Kilda's best representative in the Brownlow Medal count, polling 21 votes to finish equal 13th with 's Rod Ashman and 's Kevin O'Keeffe. Iconic number 1 - 1977 After his standout season in 1976, Barker changed to the number 1 jumper he would forever become synonymous with at St Kilda FC. Club Champion, Brownlow Medallist, and Premiership Player Ross Smith had served as assistant coach upon returning to St Kilda in 1975, was senior coach for the 1977 VFL season. Barker averaged 14 disposals per game, amassed 70 marks, and 71 Free kicks for. He kicked 4 goals in the Round 17 match against Hawthorn, a reminder he could literally play anywhere on the field. 1978 Standout season Ross Smith was replaced as Coach with former Richmond premiership player Mike Patterson for the 1978 VFL season. After successful recruiting, the Saints began 1978 strongly, with Barker being played more in a midfield-forward attacking role. The Saints were in second place after seven rounds on 5 wins and one draw with a fast paced high-scoring line-up. Barker kicked three goals three times in the first 7 rounds. His ability to play mid-forward punctuated by 29 disposals and 3 goals in the Saints win over Melbourne in Round 6. After a high scoring first quarter which gave the Saints a 17 point lead, the team went on to amass a massive 19.12 (126) at half time. The game ending in a 63 point win to St Kilda in a still club record score of