Richmond is planning to emulate the traits that made the late Tommy Hafey such an inspirational figure when it clashes with Melbourne on Saturday at the MCG.

As a mark of respect to 'T-shirt Tommy', the players came up with the idea to wear T-shirts to Friday's training session at the ME Bank Centre, in honour of the four-time Richmond premiership coach, who died on Monday after a short battle with cancer.

The club also served hot tea - Hafey's favourite drink - to fans who looked on.

Be there to say thank you to Tommy Hafey, buy your tickets to the game.

Coach Damien Hardwick said Hafey and his famous qualities would be talked about in Friday's team meeting after the session.

He also said there would be an emphasis on employing the traits, such as Hafey's determination to get the best out of himself, when the team runs out against the Demons.

"We've gone though a little bit with regards to what we can bring, a couple of qualities that Tommy stood for and we hope to bring them out in the game this weekend," Hardwick said.

"The one thing Tommy stood for as a coach ... The words relentless and ruthless come to mind.

"It's generally the one percenter things that I think Tommy bought to the fore of his football coaching back then - fitness, the ability to run, chase, tackle ... All the things you hope as a coach your players bring week in, week out.

"We've put special emphasis on that this week and we hope our boys respect him and bring that out in the game." 

However, Hardwick also emphasised the importance of ensuring those traits and qualities weren't just significant on Saturday and lasted the entire season. 

"There are things the players have to find within themselves to do - those qualities of relentless and ruthless," he said.

"We don't have to go above and beyond; we just have to make sure we exhibit those qualities week in, week out, which is a great example to set.

"The blueprint Tommy left this footy club for whatever reason has been lost for a period of time and that's a blueprint we're trying to get back.

"If we can play some quality football like those Tigers of old, we're certainly going in the right direction."

Hafey attended training when he could and was a much-loved figure around the club.

He was visited by Hardwick and some of the players last week and was still keen to talk football with the direction to "kick it long".

"I think it was the one thing he never got tired of," Hardwick said.

"Territory and possession was a big thing for Tommy and funnily enough, a lot of it still rings true.

"We try to over-complicate the game sometimes, us modern coaches, but the reality is if we get the ball long and deep inside 50, it's always hard to come out."