Richmond defender Liam Baker believes the Tigers are ready to "go a step further" in 2023.

The Club's new additions, coupled with the continual growth within their group of young guns, gives the tenacious Tiger confidence in what his side can bring. 

"I wouldn't have thought we'd change too much up, it's just doing what we know we're good at a lot better," Baker said.

"We're certainly putting in the work, as everyone else is though, obviously nothing's handed to you. We'll continue to do that with a big (next) six weeks to set up games.

"I feel like we underachieved last year and a lot of the boys feel that way. It just says a fair bit about the belief we have in our group and in our game style... We're always looking to improve."

The 24-year-old said the playing group had all returned from the holiday break "with a smile on their face."

"I think everyone's happy to be back on the track. That's the why we play, Richmond footy. We like to crack in there on defence and on offence as well," he said.

"With 'Dimma' back, everyone's pretty excited to show him that we want to be playing Round 1 and the first few games of the season, there's been an extra lift in the past week when he's been back."

After showcasing his troubleshooting abilities as a 'Mr Fixit' for the side in recent seasons, Baker said he's been training with defence this pre-season. 

"(I've been) playing down back today and I have been all pre-season, so hopefully I'll start there but who knows. But one thing I know for sure is that with Hopper and Taranto in, I won't be in the midfield," he said.

"Both (Taranto and Hopper) are out there (at training) winning contested ball, that's what they're in here to do.

"We're loving having them here and by the sounds of it they love being here."

"Dustin's back, he's fit and got a full pre-season in which is exciting for us. He's fighting fit and pushing blokes around on the track which we love to see... We cant wait to see it come game time early in the year."

Baker said young defender Josh Gibcus' recent hamstring injury was disappointing for the team, but would teach him important lessons.

"At the end of the day, he's 19 years old and a tough injury early in his career will probably make him more resilient for the rest of his career," Baker said.

"We're obviously not going to be rushing him back because we've got 10-15 years to work with 'Gib', but it's unfortunate for us and for him."