West Coast has reportedly signalled their intentions to make a play for in-form Tiger Liam baker during the off-season, with the Western Australian seen as gettable by the Laithlain club.
Currently enjoying a career year in yellow and black, the 24-year-old has laced the boots in each of Richmond's first 13 outings of the 2022 season.
Though both the Eagles and Dockers are said to have the Pingaring product in their sights, a from each for Baker will only be made after the duo's efforts to land Melbourne ruckman Luke Jackson are exhausted.
While Baker is set to come out of contract at the cessation of this season, the former Subiaco representative is yet to reach free agency markers, having only joined the Punt Road side ahead of the 2018 season.
With the recent retirement of Bachar Houli, as well as the shift of Daniel Rioli to half-back, Baker has been afforded more responsibility within Richmond's game plan.
And although all outward signs suggest that the buoyant utility is nothing more than happy with his Tigerland tenure, the mere fact that a fresh contract is yet to be inked has the interest of reporters from The West Australian piqued.
According to claims from across the Nullarbor, should West Coast wish to attack Jackson during this year's trade period, the former powerhouse will be required to split their first-round pick, given they are required to use one during the 2022 National Draft per stipulations from AFL House.
This predicament would leave the Eagles scrambling for further selections or packages to satisfy Melbourne, due to suggestions that the asking price to land Baker is likely to be a first-round pick.
Baker has quickly become a fan favourite with the Tiger Army with his blue-collar efforts and his joie de vivre palpable.
The tenacious Tiger has made 77 appearances in Damien Hardwick's senior side since debuting in Round 19 of the 2018 season.
The Western Australian who cut his teeth on the same playing fields as Fremantle star Nat Fyfe in Lake Grace has also tasted premiership success twice in 2019 and 2020, whilst finishing second in the club's best and fairest count last season.
Baker became a Tiger after being selected with the 18th pick of the 2018 Rookie Draft, further cementing Richmond's nous at finding diamonds at the back end of recent off-seasons.
