RICHMOND speedster Daniel Rioli hopes Liam Baker will play a more permanent role in defence this season, saying he walks taller when his "brick wall" mate is beside him.
Baker began last year in defence, but he starred when moved into the midfield later in the campaign.
However, the arrival of former GWS duo Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto is set to put the squeeze on midfield berths, with Baker a strong chance to return to defence.
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That's music to the ears of Rioli, who wants his mate beside him in the backline.
"It's good having Bakes down there. He's like a brick wall, he's not scared of anything," Rioli said during the club's pre-season camp at Apollo Bay on Wednesday.
"Bakes is one of a kind and I always walk a bit taller when he's out there.
"With Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper in the midfield, hopefully I'll get to have Bakes down back.
"He can play in the midfield and give those boys a chop out as well."
The Tigers' defensive stocks were dealt a blow last month when 196cm backman Josh Gibcus suffered a serious hamstring injury.
Rioli starred as a small forward when Richmond won three flags between 2017-2020, but he was moved to defence at the tail-end of 2021 after his form started to wane.
The move proved to be a masterstroke, with the 25-year-old's creativity and speed becoming a major weapon.
Rioli, whose new deal at Richmond runs until the end of 2027, has no plans to move away from the backline.
"I'll stay half-back this year," he said.
"I played some consistent footy that I'm happy with.
"Half-back is probably the position I really suit and hopefully I'll get better from there."
