Richmond VFL coach Tim Clarke admitted to feeling mixed emotions after Saturday’s nail-biting loss but is confident that the Tigers can bounce back in this weekend’s clash against North Ballarat.

The Tigers stormed home from a 33-point half time deficit, and, while Clarke was thrilled with their efforts, he was also disappointed that they didn't go on to get the result.

“The fight the boys showed in the second half was terrific and we expected to play like that right from the start,” Clarke told Roar Vision.

“Credit to our boys after half time to fight it out. We were 40 points down at one stage and to come back like that was good but we had our chances to win and we still don’t get the four points.”

Clarke rued Richmond’s slow start and said the Tigers need to improve their ball use and marking up forward. He was pleased with the strong performances of experienced trio Matt Arnot, Brett O’Hanlon and Brad Helbig as well a solid, if somewhat quiet, display from Liam McBean in his return from finger surgery.

“Liam was well held. Our key forwards didn’t have any impact on the game in the first half.”

“Unfortunately he couldn’t impact the game but (was good enough) to finish the game with three goals. He was much better in the second half but we expect a bigger and better effort from Liam in the next couple of weeks because he’s been training a lot better.”

The 12th-placed Tigers faced North Ballarat in the pre-season and Clarke said that winning contested ball and nullifying the Roosters run-and-carry will go a long way towards winning the game this time around.

“They’ve got some good North Melbourne players that can play for them and their Ballarat boys are always really strong.”

“We just need to have the guys with the right mentality going up to Ballarat. It’s always a tough game up there and we’re looking forward to bouncing back after last week.”