Richmond speedster Daniel Rioli hopes Liam Baker will play a extra everlasting function in defence this season, saying he walks taller when his “brick wall” mate is beside him.
Baker started final 12 months in defence, however he starred when moved into the midfield later within the marketing campaign.
However, the arrival of former GWS duo Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto is about to place the squeeze on midfield berths, with Baker a robust probability to return to defence.
That’s music to the ears of Rioli, who desires his mate beside him within the backline.
“It’s good having Bakes down there. He’s like a brick wall, he’s not scared of anything,” Rioli mentioned 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 within the midfield, hopefully I’ll get to have Bakes down again.
“He can play in the midfield and give those boys a chop out as well.”
The Tigers’ defensive shares had been dealt a blow final month when 196cm backman Josh Gibcus suffered a critical hamstring harm.
Rioli starred as a small ahead when Richmond gained three flags between 2017-2020, however he was moved to defence on the tail-end of 2021 after his type began to wane.
The transfer proved to be a masterstroke, with the 25-year-old’s creativity and velocity turning into a serious weapon.
Rioli, whose new deal at Richmond runs till the top of 2027, has no plans to maneuver away from the again line.
“I’ll stay half back this year,” he mentioned.
“I played some consistent footy that I’m happy with.
“Half again might be the place I actually swimsuit and hopefully I’ll get higher from there.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
