Defender quietly hits contract trigger as another gun Tiger enters contract talks

Richmond are in ongoing negotiations to secure the signatures of gun utility Liam Baker, while defender Nathan Broad is also set to remain at Tigerland beyond 2022.

It is understood Richmond are keen to retain the West Aussie pair, with AFL.com.au reporting Nathan Broad has "quietly hit a trigger for a 2023 extension", while Baker "expects his future to remain at Punt Road".

Baker was last out of contract at the conclusion of the 2019 season, where he penned a two-year deal (plus an eventual third season), while Broad signed a two-year contract extension at the end of the 2020 season amid speculation of a potential move to the Gold Coast Suns.

Both players have become key pillars of Richmond's recent dynasty, with Barker lining up for the 2019 and 2020 triumphs, while Broad boasts triple premiership status (2017, 2019 and 2020).

Broad finished 10th in last year's best and fairest after playing just 14 games, and it is understood he has reached the threshold to extend his time at Punt Road for an eighth season.

Meanwhile, Baker, who was plucked out of the WAFL at the end of the 2017 season, is also reported to be happy at Richmond and is expecting an imminent contract extension.

Baker has become a mainstay of Richmond's first-choice 22 and has emerged as one of the young stars of the competition, finishing runner-up in last year's best and fairest.

He has notched up 75 appearances in the yellow and black, and looks set to handsomely add to that total despite the lure of returning home to Western Australia.

Baker is from a remote town, Pingaring, nearly 350km east of Perth, telling AFL.com.au earlier in the week of his plans to go back there after football.

"When I first moved from Perth to the bush it was a bit of a step up, but then moving to Melbourne was another much bigger step up. I miss it a fair bit. It's just part of playing footy, I guess. It is hard to get back there during the year, but I make up for it in the off-season, which is good," Baker said.

"The plan is to eventually move back. The more I've been in the city, the more I've realised how much I love it out in the bush. I love the peace and quiet. Growing up and having a family there in the future really excites me and working with Dad for hopefully many years to come."

Both Baker and Broad will line up for the Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday night against Port Adelaide, with the match to commence at 7:20pm (AEST)