Brett Deledio's relationship with former AFL teammates at Richmond remains respectful, but a raucous reception from the yellow-and-black faithful awaits on Saturday at the MCG.
The preliminary final between Richmond and Greater Western Sydney is Deledio's 250th match. Some 243 of them came when he was based at Punt Rd.
The Giants' veteran will face his former side for the first time, seeking to break the hearts of friends, former teammates and the 90,000-strong Tiger Army.
"I played there for 12 years and I know what the Tigers' supporters are like. They'll be yelling and screaming," Deledio told reporters.
"It (advice for younger teammates) will be the same as any interstate game: try and kick the first couple and shut them up.
"There's going to be more supporters there for the Tiges but both teams are feeling the exact same pressure. It's a cut-throat final; the loser is out."
Deledio remains close friends with many Richmond players. None of them has tried to stir the pot.
"It's been pretty respectful so far," Deledio said.
"I'm involved in a group text ... they've got the congrats and 'best of lucks' out of the way early so I don't think I'll be going back to that group until after the game."
The former No.1 draft pick downplayed the value of his insider information but will be doing what he can to improve the Giants' hopes of reaching a maiden grand final.
"It's not like I am going to get up before the group, lay down the law and say 'this is how it is'," Deledio said.
"But I'll make passing comments and talk to the coaches about little things that I think maybe can help us."
Deledio's fresh start started poorly. The 30-year-old failed to make his GWS debut until round 20 because of a chronic calf injury, while he was among the Giants' worst in week one of the finals.
But he found form after shifting to the half-back line in a lopsided semi-final against West Coast.
The Tigers have gone from strength to strength since the star's departure after a woeful 2016 season that ended with an aborted board challenge and fresh questions over coach Damien Hardwick's future.
The playmaker, who has "no regrets whatsoever" about leaving Richmond, is thrilled Hardwick has turned things around so quickly.
"From talking to the boys there, I think it's been about relaxing and enjoying the moment. They've made it a really fun place to be around," Deledio said.
"I've watched a lot of their footy this year. Obviously, you still take a keen interest ... they're playing with a lot of confidence."
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