After missing out on AFL finals action for more than a decade, Richmond will face a tough challenge on Sunday to keep their emotions in check in front of a massive crowd in their elimination final against Carlton at the MCG.
Richmond assistant coach Brendon Lade says the scheduling of the first week of the finals series adds to the pressure-cooker atmosphere for the Tigers.
“That’s a hard one, especially (as) the last game on a Sunday is always the hardest because you watch every other final and you just can’t wait to get out there,” Lade told reporters on Thursday.
“Our boys have waited a long time for this moment (since 2001).
“It has been built up in the media by you guys and the fans have been waiting a long long time.
“Everyone’s very excited. It’s a bit like round one for us (when Richmond beat Carlton by five points).
“We had 80,000 in round one. It’s a pretty similar feeling, a pretty similar build-up.
“There’s a lot more on the line though. If you lose, you’re out.”
Lade said he expected key forward Jack Riewoldt (back) and ex-skipper Chris Newman (ankle) to be named in the squad for Sunday’s knockout clash.
Newman has played 232 games including no finals for the Tigers and has been out of action for the past three rounds.
“Hopefully he gets through training and Chris gets a good result … and he can play on Sunday,” Lade said.
“He trained well on Tuesday and had the weekend off so we think he’ll be right.
“That record (most games played by a VFL/AFL player without taking part in a finals match) hanging over his head hasn’t been nice for him.
“He was desperate to play last week but he made the decision not to play and gave himself another week.
“If he trains well (on Thursday) and gets through, he’ll probably come in.”
Lade says the Richmond-Carlton rivalry adds to the sense of occasion.
“It’s going to be great for the fans on the day to have a full house at the MCG. It’s a good experience for everyone out there,” Lade said.