Richmond are doing it tough when it comes to player availability, lacking both Tom Lynch and Noah Balta in attack, as well as experienced trio Tim Taranto, Dion Prestia and Jayden Short higher up the ground.

Despite this, they were able to shut down Melbourne for a half of football at the MCG last Wednesday night off the back of pure effort and intensity.

Where the game was ultimately lost, however, was an inability to make the most of their forays forward, with the Tigers kicking just five goals from 17 scoring shots and finishing square for inside 50s.

Finding some polish ahead of the footy, whether that be through the return of star players or the growth of youngsters thrown into the deep end covering others' absences, will turn Richmond from a battling team into a genuine threat each week.