Richmond coach Damien Hardwick is confident the club will retain hard-nosed utility Liam Baker beyond this year.
Baker is currently unsigned for next season after last re-signing at Punt Road on a two-year deal in 2019 before quietly hitting a trigger for an extra year.
2022 is shaping up as a career-best campaign for the 24-year-old, who would be in consideration for his first Richmond best and fairest after finishing second last season.
Baker, who hails from Western Australia, has flourished in just about any role Hardwick has requested of him, at times playing across all three lines in a single match.
His latest outing against Geelong warranted a return of 24 disposals, 8 inside 50s, 7 clearances and a goal to result in a match-high 9 coaches votes.
His own coach is now keeping his fingers tightly crossed that Baker will sign on the dotted line and extend his stay in the yellow and black, with West Coast having recently been linked to the Lake Grace product's services.
Despite the reported interest, Hardwick is hopeful Baker will extend his decorated tenure with the Tigers.
"Look, I'm confident," Hardwick told media on Thursday, per AAP. "He's such an important player both on and off the field. He's a superstar.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
"He's a guy that we brought across (to Victoria) as a rookie, he'd been overlooked in a few drafts but just has been an outstanding player.
"He's one of those guys - there's not many of them - as soon as you see Liam you start smiling.
"He's just one of those people that makes you feel great about life."
Baker has notched up 78 games since making his debut with Richmond in 2018, playing an integral part in the club's two most recent premiership wins.
He'll look to extend his hot run of form this weekend when the Tigers plan to return to winning ways when they host West Coast at the MCG on Sunday at 2:10pm (AEST).
