IMPROVED Tiger Liam Baker is weighing up where to play next season as rival clubs – including Carlton and Fremantle – inquire about him.

Baker returned to Richmond's senior side last week as a defender, after previously being used as a wingman but is still best known as a forward.

AFL.com.au understands the Tigers have put a two-year offer in front of him, but the 21-year-old wants to play regular senior football and has to decide where he can do that.

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Liam Baker kicks his first.#AFLTigersDees pic.twitter.com/PqHGfePaFv — AFL (@AFL) April 24, 2019

There is also a loyalty factor, given it was Richmond that drafted him in 2017 after all clubs overlooked him the previous year, which meant he spent a season playing for Subiaco in the WAFL's top competition.

Baker made the most of the Tigers' lengthy injury list earlier in the season to enjoy a 10-match run in the AFL team that proved he could cut it at the elite level.

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However, a three-week VFL stint before last week's recall was a timely reminder of the challenge he faces to be in Richmond's best 22 when it has close to a full list to choose from.

His position could also come under pressure this week, with Josh Caddy and Kamdyn McIntosh among the potential inclusions for Friday night's blockbuster clash with Collingwood at the MCG.

Baker's redeployment to defence adds another string to his bow, in a year where he has averaged 17.9 disposals, 4.4 tackles and 4.6 score involvements.

The 173cm utility, who worked hard on his running in the off-season, was the round 10 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee after winning a career-most 24 disposals and kicking a goal in a victory over Essendon.

As a small forward, his internal rivals include Daniel Rioli, Jason Castagna, Jack Higgins, Dan Butler and Shai Bolton, while Maverick Weller, Jacob Townsend and Jake Aarts are fellow rookie-listers.

Whether any of that group looks for greener pastures beyond Punt Rd might impact on Baker's call.

Baker shows some dash and the Tigers' lead grows!#AFLFreoTigers pic.twitter.com/a5M31t7DJd — AFL (@AFL) May 12, 2019

All of that is a major reason why he's popped up on the Blues' radar as they hunt for a goalsneak, with Swan Tom Papley and Port Adelaide's Sam Gray understood to also be on their shortlist.

Baker would fit in well at the Dockers, who don't boast the same depth in the small forward department.

They've recruited ex-Sun Brandon Matera and VFL products Sam Switkowski and Lachie Schultz in recent seasons to fill that void as Hayden Ballantyne heads into likely retirement this year.

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