Richmond great Wayne Campbell vividly recalls Danny Frawley’s angry response as coach, when the Tigers were hammered by Essendon, in the first qualifying final back in 2001.

The Tiger team had beaten the Bombers the previous week, in the final round of the home-and-away season, to clinch fourth place on the ladder and the all-important double chance.

Campbell, in his first year as captain, led Richmond into that finals campaign, which was its last one, up until this season.

Buoyed by the Round 22 success, the Tigers entered the first week of the ’01 finals on a high – but were quickly brought back down to earth, losing by 70 points . . .

“Our first final was really disappointing,” Campbell told former teammate Matthew Richardson in a ‘Roar Vision’ exclusive.

“We didn’t fire a shot, we played poorly, and we got beaten convincingly.

“To go into a final and not play well was poor.

“Subsequently, we had a really good game against Carlton the next week (in the first semi-final).

“I still remember Danny Frawley’s spray to us in the GR (Graeme Richmond) Room on the Monday, which went for about half an hour . . . he yelled the whole time.

“It was a really good build-up because after that, he turned back to positive and how we were going to beat them.

“I remember the feeling of winning that game (against Carlton), was probably the best I’ve ever had in footy.”

Campbell, who these days, has a key role in Richmond’s department, is eagerly awaiting the Tigers’ return to the September action, in Sunday’s big elimination final against Carlton.

“I know people that are involved, such as myself, are very, very excited about it,” he said.

“Damien (Hardwick) has been very strong from the start that we don’t ride rollercoasters.

“Like, really, internally, you wouldn’t know any difference, but I’m sure the players are looking forward to playing finals . . .

“I think we’ve put pretty good processes in place to make sure that there aren’t any of those bumps along the way.

 “The Tigers being in the finals is exciting, no matter whether it’s 1908 or 2013, so we’re looking forward to it.”