Richmond’s CEO Brendon Gale remains convinced the Tigers are on the right path to achieving sustained success.

Gale believes that the major form slump, so far this season, will ultimately lead to a stronger Richmond team.

“We’ve got some people at the footy club of great character and great capability who are committed to turning this around,” Gale told the Herald Sun.

“We believe in the direction we are taking.

“We always felt there would be disappointments along the way. We always felt in rebuilding the club, that the actual football piece would be the most challenging — given where our list was at, given where the competition was heading, and given the introduction of two new teams.

“We’ve been really encouraged with the progress we’ve made so far.  But progress and development isn’t linear. You’re going to have setbacks and there are going to be disappointments.”

When asked if the Club had overrated its list at the end of last season, Gale replied:  “No, I don’t think so.  We made finals last year and for us it was about getting back to the finals again.

“I thought that was a legitimate aspiration, and it’s one we haven’t given up on yet. At 2-6 it’s not great, but we are still alive.

“Without going into specifics we have learnt a lot more about our list and a better understanding of our needs.”

Gale also strongly backed Damien Hardwick, who is eight games into his fifth season as Richmond’s coach, and contracted until the end of 2016.

“We are very comfortable and very satisfied with where Damien is taking our football program to,” Gale said.

“We have rebuilt our football club on the back of focus and discipline and absolute trust in each other and that’s not going to change.

“We understand the frustration and anger of our members and fans. The on-field team are feeling this as much as anyone.”

Gale revealed that the Club was aiming to spend more money on its football department next year.

“Where there are needs, we will invest — that’s one of the advantages of having a stronger balance sheet and being more profitable,” he said.

“It gives you that flexibility to build a strong, sustainable football club.”