Richmond coach Damien Hardwick envisages a fierce response from the Tigers next year following their disappointing finish to season 2018.

Hardwick declared in his speech at the Jack Dyer Medal function last Tuesday night that he is extremely confident the preliminary final loss to Collingwood will prove to be a decisive bounce-back factor for the team.

“There’s no doubt it was a missed opportunity for us, but the reality is it’s far from the end of the journey for our boys,” Hardwick said.

JDM 2018: The Captain's address

“Our players and football department are an incredibly proud bunch. We’re incredibly disappointed to let that opportunity slip, but I know following the break now, we’ll return for the pre-season and prepare better than ever, and no doubt be a serious premiership contender for season 2019.

“Those harsh lessons learned from the preliminary final loss will drive our players and football department to make the necessary improvements to ensure we are better equipped to deal with whatever is thrown at us next time on the big stage.

“The tremendous connection and unity within our playing group undoubtedly will hold us in good stead . . .”