RICHMOND'S dual best and fairest winner Brett Deledio says he still has faith in his team's direction, despite its poor form in recent weeks.

The Tigers have lost their past six matches by an average of just over 50 points, slumping to 14th on the AFL ladder.

But Deledio remains sure that success will eventually come.

"There's been some challenging times, there's no doubt about it, but we still firmly believe that we're heading in the right direction," the 24 year-old said on Wednesday.

"We've still got a very young list and we've got a lot of games of experience into our young players."

Deledio admitted that his inexperienced team may have had its expectations raised too high after a form streak between rounds five and nine, when they won four of five games.

"I think us as a group and our supporters probably got our hopes up a bit too much early with the wins that we did have," he said.

"But we're at where we probably expected to be at, and we'll see a lot of improvement in the last part of this year and next year."

The former No. 1 NAB AFL Draft pick also defended full-forward Jack Riewoldt over questions about his form and fitness.

The 2010 Coleman medallist has booted 54 goals for the season, putting him equal with Hawthorn's Lance Franklin in the race for this year's goal-kicking award.

"He [Riewoldt] is equal in the Coleman, so as much as he's copping it, he's still equal," Deledio said.

"I don't think he's unfit, to be honest.

"Everyone's got their own little niggling injuries, but Jack won't admit to that and he's doing everything he can to make sure he's playing his role for the side.

"A big bag is just around the corner for him."