Richmond’s AFLW coach Ryan Ferguson says the work the Tigers have put into this preseason has “far exceeded that of any other” ahead of Friday’s Round 1 clash with Sydney.

Speaking at the Club’s AFLW season launch last Monday night, Ferguson expressed how strongly the team has worked throughout the preseason, and how that commitment to excellence will continue throughout the campaign.

“The work that has gone on in the offseason, in the preseason, has far exceeded that of any other. It has to. The comp is building at a rapid rate,” Ferguson said.

“Our capabilities as a team are much greater than they have ever been before. They have to be.

“What we're not thinking is that because of the work that we've put in and the growth of our team, that we've prepared so well, that this season is going to be easy. When the season kicks off, it is quite the opposite.

“We can, and we will commit to trusting the work that we've done. Trusting the work that we'll continue to do and know that our preparation will allow us to be better when it gets hard.

“I can't wait to meet the challenges of this season head-on with this hungry group that is maturing together, adding great character and great expertise, as we go along the journey.”

Captain Katie Brennan echoed the coach’s thoughts, adding that last season’s Elimination Final defeat to Port Adelaide is serving as motivation heading into the season.

“With every preseason, it brings growth, and this was no different, driven by the sting of last year and our unfinished business,” Brennan said.

“This has fuelled us more than ever and shaped our intent with a clear focus of getting what's required done with new standards and new expectations.

“Preseason earns you the right to throw your hat in the ring and nothing more, but it does set the tone, and we're proud of the work that we've done over the last nine months. More importantly, we're hungrier than ever for what's to come.”

The Tigers face the Swans in Sydney on Friday night in Round 1 of the AFLW season.