RICHMOND can't hide from tight games, so they better find a way to win the arm wrestles, says coach Damien Hardwick.

Despite the Tigers losing their fourth game by fewer than 10 points for the season after going down to Sydney at the MCG, Hardwick remains hopeful the Tigers can start to win the close ones.

"I think that [narrow margins] is what our side has to get used to. We're very competitive. We'll keep the games close," Hardwick said after the nine-point loss to the Swans.

"We're not going to win games by 10 goals. We're not going to lose games, hopefully, by 10 goals either. It is always going to be an arm wrestle."

Hardwick was disappointed that four of the five goals Richmond conceded to the Swans in the thrilling final quarter were from stoppages, as defending set plays had been a focus during the preparation.

However, he said it was tough keeping the experienced Swans at bay once their midfield began to lift.

In the end, Hardwick said Richmond, who kicked the first six goals of the game, weren't good enough for long enough.

"They lifted their work rate in and around the contest and we weren't able to match it at the very end," Hardwick said.

"If you let your guard down for a period of time they can score pretty quickly."

Hardwick praised Alex Rance, who beat superstar Lance Franklin in an enthralling battle, and nearly saved the game with his efforts in the final quarter.

"I thought when the game asked for someone to stand up I thought he did that pretty well," Hardwick said.

Richmond remains in the top four with seven wins and Hardwick is adamant its best football can beat most teams.

"We didn't win today but we will learn a bit out of it and we will go forward and we attack Carlton next Sunday [at the MCG] with vigour," Hardwick said.