Richmond coach Damien Hardwick says the Tigers’ long AFL finals drought reinforces their motivation to make the most of this opportunity.
The Tigers will play their first final since 2001 next weekend, almost certainly against Carlton on Sunday.
Only four members of their expected side have previous finals experience – Troy Chaplin, Ivan Maric, Shaun Grigg and Aaron Edwards – and all gained it elsewhere.
Hardwick said the dearth of finals experience shouldn’t affect his side’s performance, but it should underline its importance.
“You never know when you’re going to be back,” he told reporters.
“You look at our side and 2001 was the last time we appeared.
“Do you think they thought it was going to be 12 or 13 years before they got back? You’d hope not.
“You’ve just got to make the most of your opportunity. They don’t come around that often.
“We’ve had a good season, but a new one starts.”
The Tigers tuned up by dismissing a flat Essendon 15.14 (104) to 9.11 (65) at the MCG on Saturday night.
The match had little in common with a final, with minimal physical pressure.
But Hardwick took confidence that his side won the contested possession count by 45, a statistic that will be crucial in September.
Richmond expect to regain star forward Jack Riewoldt and ex-captain Chris Newman from injury and Shane Edwards from suspension.
But speedster Matt White is in doubt after being subbed off at halftime on Saturday night.
There was speculation White injured a hamstring although Hardwick said the injury was back tightness and the Tigers have not given up on having him available.
Riewoldt’s return will complement an in-form attack, with fellow talls Ty Vickery and Aaron Edwards each kicking four goals against the Bombers.
Richmond played the Blues just two rounds ago and gave up a 30-point quarter-time lead to lose, but Hardwick said that result meant little for next Sunday.
“The sides are going to be different,” he said.
“We were missing a whole half-forward line that game, they were missing (Matthew) Kreuzer and (Jeff) Garlett.
“We’ll take a little bit out of that with regard to some things that they did.
“It’s not a whole different ball game but different personnel brings up different headaches for both sides.”