Liam Baker starred in Richmond’s 12-point win over Port Adelaide on Thursday night.
When the game was in the balance, Baker rose to the occasion.
Baker was best afield with 26 disposals, nine score involvements, seven inside 50s, five clearances and a crucial final-quarter goal.
David King heaped praised on the 24-year-old utility, who comes out of contract at the end of the season.
“Baker was extraordinary last night,” King told SEN Breakfast.
“He had 26 touches, 13 in the last quarter. When the game was hot, he separated the game.
“He’s out of contract too … they won’t want to lose Liam Baker.
“I still think he’s the cleanest player in the competition below his knees.
“He is one-touch.”
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Richmond coach Damien Hardwick highlighted Baker’s importance to the side post-game.
“David Teague said a really good comment, you sort of want one (Baker) on each line,” Hardwick told reporters.
“He’s just such an important player. He’s out of contract, too, so he’s not helping us.
“He’s a wonderful player. He’s a guy that you love to coach, because you wind him up and off he goes.
“His last quarter was pretty special.”
Tigers forward Jack Riewoldt echoed Hardwick’s thoughts, saying Baker’s last quarter proved the difference.
“I wish we could clone him and have three of him,” Riewoldt told SEN Tassie.
“He went forward and he was fantastic in that last quarter and was probably one of the main reasons – if not the main reason – why we came away with the four points.”
Baker, a dual premiership player, finished second in Richmond’s best and fairest last year.