Tigers VFL coach Jack Madgen believes the instilled "Richmond way" in his playing group was the catalyst for Saturday's impressive Round 1 victory over Southport.

Richmond started its 2026 season off in perfect fashion, recording a 40-point victory over last year's runners-up, the Sharks, in Frankston on Saturday.

It was also a dream start for Madgen, nabbing the victory in his first game as coach of the group. Yet, the hunger to improve has only become more prominent for the side.

"What you don't see on TV is that Tom Burton and Zane Peucker kicked their first goals for the Club and every player on field gets to them. That's playing the Richmond way," Madgen said post match.

"It's a pleasing thing to see guys doing whatever they can do to help us win and to help the Club."

The Tigers remained in control for majority of the match but Madgen admits there were adjustments made to stem the flow of Southport's important midfield group.

"They're a bloody good side and we were able to claw back that momentum. They were on top during the game in patches," he said.

"Harry Scott went to [Jacob] Dawson, arguably the best midfielder in the comp, who was having a real influence on the game. We were able to nullify his impact through Harry."

Most impressively, it was Richmond's ability to compete in the air that forced the game into its favour on Saturday, going on to kick 10 goals to the Sharks' four after quarter time.

"The story of the game was our aerial [ability] ahead and behind the footy. Liam Fawcett was outnumbered in the air, we weren't tall down there and he did an awesome job bringing the ball to ground," Madgen said.

"That brings in players like Jasper [Alger], who hit the scoreboard quite heavily today. Up back it was Gibbo [Josh Gibcus]. I'm not sure he lost a contest after quarter time. Campbell Gray was awesome in the air and Mutaz El Nour controlled the air ways."

The only way is up from here, with Madgen now looking ahead to an important clash against Coburg at Holm Park Reserve, Beaconsfield, this Saturday from 11.05am (AEDT).

"We're happy with the win, but we're definitely not content. We've still got to rock up and have that hunger and drive. If you don't stay true to the game and rock up with intent, it can bite you in the bum later down the track," he said.

"It was a really mature win for a relatively young side, which is awesome to see. It looked like the guys were having heaps of fun out there."