Despite Richmond’s 34-point loss to Collingwood on Saturday, Richmond captain Toby Nankervis said the Tigers won’t be taking a backward step, emphasising the importance of maintaining a winning mindset heading into each game.

“I want to win. Everyone wants to win. That's what we're here to do,” Nankervis told 3AW post-game.

“I think Ooze [Adem Yze] might have mentioned that Collingwood are fighting for finals. It doesn't matter that we're not fighting for finals. We want to win.

“We want to play the right way. We want to play a more consistent brand over four quarters, and I think [at] our best we've been able to match it, but not for long enough.

“I just want to compete as hard as I can. I want to try and play my role as best I can and really set the tone out there, and those guys, Sam Cumming, Taj Hotton, it's pretty special what they can do, and I'm looking forward to playing with them hopefully for a bit longer.”

Nankervis, who was playing in just his second game after an extended period on the sidelines himself, acknowledged how crucial it was to have the likes of Hotton and Rhyan Mansell back in the team, as Richmond begins to overcome its injury woes.

“Getting Taj back and Rhyan Mansell played a great game,” Nankervis said.

“I thought his pressure was awesome, so it's [exciting] starting to get some boys back now, and I want to have a really good finish to the season.”

Mansell enjoyed a successful return to senior footy, running out in his first game since Round 1, amassing 12 disposals, four tackles and three goals.

The pressure forward said he was elated to be back in the team.

“It was great to be out there with the boys, being able to compete,” Mansell told ABC.

“We didn't get the result we wanted, but it's been a long three or four months with the foot and the wrist, so I'm rapt to be back out there.

“We had a pretty decent crew in the rehab group, so they kept me good company.

“It was hard, though, obviously not really seeing an end goal, coming back and playing. I come back a bit quicker than we expected. I'm just wrapped to be back out there playing now.”

The 26-year-old, fresh off signing a one-year contract extension with Richmond, reassured that playing finals footy is the main goal for the group, with the hopes of fast-tracking the time it takes to get there.

“I feel like with all the youth that we've got, they bring in a lot of energy, no matter whether we win or lose,” Mansell said.

“Obviously, we need to learn as quick as we can, because we want to be challenging for finals. You don't play footy not to play finals.

“You've got to still make it fun, otherwise it's a long, long year, so the young boys definitely bring the energy and enthusiasm to the group.”

Mansell took positives from seeing the younger Tiger crop, like Seth Campbell and Hotton, make the most of their time in the midfield.

The pair has shown glimpses of what is to come, as Richmond looks to bounce back against Carlton in its Stealth Night at the 'G this Saturday.

"I feel like training standards have been good. We're trying to get around the young boys as much as possible,” Mansell said.

“It's great seeing these young boys go through the midfield and have a crack and put their head over it and get it in the forward line. It's definitely positive signs for Richmond fans.

“The second half was positive, and we'll look to review that honestly and hopefully come back out next week against Carlton.”