Before they squeeze past us, they have to catch us first.
That's the defiant message from Richmond coach Damien Hardwick as he deals with the aftermath of yet another close loss.
Sydney beat them by nine points last Saturday and they have lost three other games this season by five points or less.
It is fuelling talk that Richmond are vulnerable if the game is tight in the last quarter.
"Or do you think they have to be thinking 'geez, we have to be close enough to win'," Hardwick argued.
The Tigers coach noted that Brisbane had four losses by eight points or less between rounds 11-17 in 2003 - and went on to claim their third-straight premiership.
"It happens to the best of them," Hardwick said.
Of course, the Lions had already won two flags and did not have an impatient Tigers army clamouring for an end to a 37-year premiership drought.
But Hardwick said those Richmond fans are coming to games safe in the knowledge their team is up for the fight.
"The way we play the game is incredibly competitive and I'm proud of the way they put their best foot forward, week in, week out," Hardwick said.
"Our fans know we come to play every week.
"Out of 11 of the 12 games, we've been in them and we've won seven, lost five.
"I'm prepared to take that."
He also noted they have won several tight games this season.
Hardwick said their work in transition during Saturday's frenetic last quarter and making better use of their opportunities inside 50 were key elements of the Richmond review after the Sydney loss.
Richmond star Dustin Martin looked sore after the Swans game, but Hardwick said he had trained well since and would be better on Sunday against Carlton.
The resurgent Blues will be a tricky assignment for Richmond this Sunday at the MCG.
"Defensively, they're very good behind the ball," Hardwick said of Carlton.
"They have some very good movers behind the ball - guys like (Kade) Simpson and (Sam) Docherty - and their good players are playing really well, in (Marc) Murphy, (Patrick) Cripps and (Bryce) Gibbs.
"We have to make sure we manage those guys as best we can, try to take their defence out of the game as best we can."
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