The wait is nearly over for Richmond’s VFL side, with the season kicking off this Sunday against reigning premier Williamstown.

Tigers VFL and development coach Craig McRae said his group was ready for the challenge of traveling to the Seagulls’ fortress Burbank Oval.

“It’s always good to start the season… five odd months and four practice games, we’re ready to go,” McRae said.

“We’ve learnt some good lessons along the way and we’re looking forward to the challenge. We’re just trying to get the ‘Richmond Way’, for everyone to come and watch… the VFL side play and see our style.

“It’s been difficult at times to see that and we’ve had a couple of hiccups along the way, or speed bumps as I like to call them. We’re looking to improve every week and learn the lessons when we can.”

McRae will look to on-field guidance from his four-man leadership group this year.

Former Greater Western Sydney and Western Bulldogs defender Sam Darley was appointed captain in his debut season at the Club.

The leadership group also includes former Port Melbourne defender Tom Langford, ex-Melbourne rookie Tom Couch and returning Tiger Ryan Gale.

While the squad has picked up plenty of experience, McRae said a number of younger AFL-listed players had also been impressive over the pre-season.

“Oleg Markov, he’s an exciting player – he’s a talented, athletic player,” he said.

“Mabior Chol, we saw a bit of him in the NAB Challenge.

“Daniel Rioli if he plays down at this level, I don’t know if we’ll see him much, but he’ll tear it up...”

McRae hoped the VFL side would build on last year’s finish of 13^th. 

“I’m just looking for constant improvement. We need to be better,” he said.

The VFL Tigers will play their first home game at Punt Road Oval on Saturday, April 16 against Footscray.