Richmond goal sneak Steely Green believes his side can take confidence from Thursday's season opener, despite a narrow loss to start the 2026 campaign.

Following the Tigers' four-point loss to the Blues at the MCG, the small forward knows the only way is up, with the squad positive their system has what it takes to stack up against the best.

"Our process and everything we wanted to do was there," Green said.

"It's just the next step for us, the execution. We'll go back to the drawing board, work on our craft and get better."

On a personal note, the 22-year-old had a strong match, stamping his authority with two goals, 12 disposals, seven score involvements, four marks and two tackles.

Impressively, he also went at 83 per cent disposal efficiency, in just his 26th AFL match since his debut in 2024.

Although humble, it was the exact confidence boost Green needed to start his 2026 account in style.

"It's great, it's a good feeling. It's what we love doing," he said.

"It's the best day of the week. I'm just lucky to get on the end of a few [goals]."

Focus now quickly turns to next Saturday afternoon's clash against Gold Coast at the MCG. For Green and his teammates, it's a chance to regroup and put the finishing touches on a game that slipped away in the dying minutes.

"[It's back to] trusting our system, going back to what we know," Green said.

"90 per cent of what we did was awesome, it's just about fixing up that other 10 per cent.

"I'm sure we will come back better."

Richmond host the Suns at the MCG next Saturday from 1.15pm (AEDT). You can buy your tickets here.