Richmond will face last year's AFL grand finalists Sydney and Hawthorn with confidence boosted by a drought-breaking win over Fremantle and by previous head-to-head victories.
The sixth-placed Tigers showed discipline and composure to beat the injury-weakened Dockers 12.12 (84) to 8.9 (57) at the MCG on Saturday.
Jack Riewoldt kicked four goals and captain Trent Cotchin starred with 34 disposals and a crucial major in the low-scoring grind.
It was Richmond's first win in 11 attempts against Ross Lyon-coached sides, including his reigns at both St Kilda and the Dockers, and the Tigers' biggest scalp so far this season.
Now they are eyeing even bigger scalps as they prepare to face the Swans and Hawks in the coming fortnight.
Tigers speedster Matt White, who celebrated his 100th game with a solid job on Fremantle danger man Stephen Hill and a goal, said beating a side of the Dockers' quality was a confidence-booster.
"It might start something, it might not, but we play Sydney and Hawthorn in the next two weeks, so that's going to be two big games for the club," White said.
The Tigers will have respect but not fear, having thrashed the Hawks by 62 points in their most recent meeting and won three of their past four against Sydney, although the one narrow loss came at the SCG, where they meet next Sunday.
"They're two great sides that previously we've matched up on pretty well," White said.
"In saying that they're two great sides that are going to really challenge our midfield and our style of play.
"It's going to be a great effort for us to get over the top of them but we're looking forward to the challenge."
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick praised the poise his side showed to build an early lead over Fremantle then maintain it throughout.
The Tigers dominated the contested ball and clearances, tackled hard and used the ball with patience to avoid costly turnovers.
While Fremantle pressed hard early in the last quarter to cut a 21-point gap to eight, Richmond held firm with the last three goals, two to Riewoldt either side of a brilliant Daniel Jackson snap.
Fremantle were missing stars Matthew Pavlich, Aaron Sandilands, Luke McPharlin and Hayden Ballantyne, but Hardwick said it still meant plenty to overcome a side of their quality.
"To see Cotchin, Riewoldt, (Brett) Deledio, all our leaders, Jackson, (Ivan) Maric stand up was enormous for us," Hardwick said.
Dockers coach Ross Lyon said Richmond's 40-23 advantage in clearances was telling and the Tigers' 15-5 record in that area in the last term blunted Fremantle's comeback effort.
"If you can't get it forward you can't score," Lyon said.
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