While Damien Hardwick’s sights are firmly set on Richmond’s upcoming elimination final against Brisbane at the Gabba, regardless of what happens in the Club’s latest finals campaign, the triple premiership coach is so bullish about the Tigers’ prospects moving forward.

The inclusion of a group of talented Tiger cubs in the senior side throughout this season, and the way they have responded at the game’s highest level, has given Hardwick plenty of cause for optimism.

“The most exciting thing about Richmond, I think, is our future. I’m pumped with it, with the playing list we’ve got, and what it’s going to look like moving forward,” Hardwick said during his post-match press conference following the Tigers’ 66-point victory over Essendon in the final home-and-away round of the 2022 season.

“To have basically four first-year players in our side consistently throughout the year has been something we’ve worked hard to do, to give ourselves the best chance of sustained success.

“I’ve been pleased with the way those guys have battled through various stages where they’ve been quiet . . .

“(Tyler) Sonsie battled back in the second half tonight and Noah (Cumberland) started well, and we tried a little bit of a different role for him in the second part of the game . . .

“So, we’ve been really pleased with what those guys have brought and how they’ve improved and got to work . . .

“The fact of the matter is we’ve given ourselves a chance to salute this year and discovered some hidden gems along the way. We debuted a hell of a lot of players, gave some guys some experiences.

“So, it’s going to hold us in good stead moving forward.”