Tigers prepared to give off-contract star ‘the world’

Richmond coach Adem Yze has declared the Tigers will give Liam Baker “the world” if the off-contract vice-captain wants to stay at Punt Rd.

Beaming after his first win as coach – an upset of Sydney at the MCG on Sunday – Yze spoke glowingly of the dual premiership player.

Baker has been linked with a move back to his native Western Australia at season’s end when his contract expires.

The 26-year-old is certain to attract strong interest from Fremantle and struggling West Coast.

“We’ll give him the world if he wants to stay at our footy club,” Yze said on Sunday.

“But if he decides to go, then that’s the nature of the game.

“But while he’s here, we just want him to play free and just enjoy his footy and make that decision when the time comes.

“We love him, he knows that, he’ll make that decision when he’s ready.”

The lively utility has played 114 games since debuting for Richmond in 2018.

“What he does bring to our footy club is spirit. He’s our vice captain and our players love him,” Yze said.

“If he decides to stay, he knows that he’s very much a player that we want to keep.

“But as I said, we won’t judge him if he decides to go the other way.”

Another player off-contract is veteran superstar Dustin Martin, who missed the win over the Swans with calf soreness.

The 32-year-old has shown glimpses of his destructive best, but opinionated media commentator Kane Cornes this week declared Martin should end his decorated career at season’s end to protect his legacy.

Yze was unaware of Cornes’ article, but backed Martin to continue beyond 2024.

“Dusty is a terrific player – he’s got a lot of footy left in him,” Yze said.

“I think that’s a bit harsh if we’re saying one of the best players in the comp, to ever play the game, should finish prematurely.

“All we want is Dusty to be happy and enjoying his footy and we’re trying to provide that environment for him.”

Martin is expected to return for Richmond’s Gather Round clash with St Kilda on Sunday.