RESTRICTED free agent Tyrone Vickery remains an integral part of Richmond's future despite his recent demotion to the VFL, coach Damien Hardwick says.

Vickery played the Tigers' first 14 games this year and kicked 22 goals, but was dropped after the round 15 loss to Port Adelaide.

Discussions between Richmond and Vickery on a new contract have progressed slowly this season, and the forward/ruckman will attract keen rival interest if he remains out of contract ahead of October's free agency period.

But Hardwick told reporters on Thursday Vickery remained a key part of his on-field plans.

"Ty, for mine, is an integral part of our playing future. Six-foot-seven, six-foot-eight guys that can mark and kick goals don't grow on trees," Hardwick said.

"Ty's form at stages has been a little bit indifferent and he's the first to admit that. We probably ran out of a little bit of patience with him, but he's firmly part of my plans going forward.

"He's a great guy, Ty. He's very well loved around our football community. We've just got to make sure we get him playing his best football and hopefully that's not too far away."

Since being dropped Vickery has played just one game with Richmond's VFL team having a bye last weekend.

The 26-year-old, who was the No.8 pick in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, went goalless in that match against Footscray but Hardwick said he had played "reasonably well".

Asked what he hoped to see from Vickery on Sunday in Richmond's match against the Box Hill Hawks, Hardwick said consistency.

"He always kicked two goals, we're probably just looking for a few of those contested marks to stick," Hardwick said.

"The last game he played he probably had three or four if they had stuck he becomes a dominant player within our system.

"We're just looking for that consistency and that will come at some stage. He's done it before and he'll get back to the form that we know he can (produce) and we're encouraging him to do so because he's an important player.

"There's no doubt when Ty's playing his best football Richmond is a better side because of it."

Vickery has played 116 games for the Tigers and kicked 154 goals.