Tigers must find different way to win flag

Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt says the Tigers must tread a different finals path if they are going to win this year's AFL premiership.

Jack Riewoldt of the Tigers.

Jack Riewoldt says the experience of last year's premiership win can take the Tigers only so far. (AAP)

Richmond don't expect to roll out the same effort and game plan that propelled them to the 2017 AFL premiership and get the same result.

The Tigers were an irresistible force as they steamrolled Geelong (by 51 points) and GWS (by 36) before dismantling Adelaide in a 48-point grand final win last year.

Having finished minor premiers with the bulk of last year's squad available many are predicting the red-hot flag favourites will go back-to-back.

That's the plan, of course, but Coleman Medal winner Jack Riewoldt says the experience of last year can only take his team so far.

"I don't think two seasons are similar so we have to win it a different way this year," Riewoldt told Fox Footy's AFL 360.

"We have to play better.

"We're playing a little bit different to what we were last year as a lot of sides are as well.

"For us it's about embracing what the finals bring ... there's certainly a demon of expectation or a burden there that it is cut throat.

"But for us it's about enjoying the moment and making the most of your moment on the big stage."

The Tigers face their first hurdle on Thursday night in a qualifying final against Hawthorn at the MCG, with around 95,000 fans expected to turn out for the clash.

"It's actually being excited about that," Riewoldt said of the Tigers' mindset.

"There's always going to be nerves and always going to be tension because we're at the business end of the season.

"But you've still got to go out and enjoy it because there are 10 other sides that are finished their seasons, done their reviews and are away on holidays thinking 'What if?'

"And we have the opportunity to keep our season going."


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Source: AAP


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