RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick is approaching the game against Essendon at the MCG on Friday night as the chance to atone for the Tigers' poor showing against Fremantle last weekend.

Hardwick - who also described his comments questioning the late inclusion of Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands as "irrational" - said the eventual 22-point margin at Patersons Stadium flattered his team.

"The scoreboard flattered us last week." Hardwick said.

"We were disappointed with the intensity we brought.

"Granted the conditions were warm, but we certainly should have played a lot better."

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Hardwick flagged a greater intensity against Essendon.

"It's a really good opportunity for our boys to bounce back and play a good brand of footy against a side that's clinging to the hope of a final-eight spot," he said.

Richmond sits 12th on the ladder with a 9-11 record and the Tigers hope to defeat Essendon and Port Adelaide in the remaining games and finish with an even win-loss ledger, a finish that would show a marked upturn on last year's finish.

The Tigers finished 12th in 2011 with an 8-13-1 record.

Hardwick said his main concern was whether the Tigers had improved, and making sure the club continued to get better.

"We'll certainly train our guys a hell of a lot harder in the pre-season and we'll look to improve certain facets of our game that need improving," he said.

Hardwick last week came under scrutiny for questioning whether Fremantle had pulled a ruse by bringing in Sandilands at the last minute.

Sandilands, who had been named among the emergencies, was included after fellow ruckman Jonathon Griffin tweaked a groin just before the match.

Hardwick described his comment about Sandilands' inclusion during the press conference after the game as "irrational".

"That's just how it goes. It’s an emotional game, footy," he said.

"We move on pretty quickly. We're big boys.

"We make some irrational comments at times and that was one from me."

Essendon goes into the match against Richmond in 10th spot with an 11-9 record, clinging to the hope of returning to the top eight.

Much of the interest in the match will revolve around the performances of Essendon midfielder Jobe Watson and Richmond counterpart Trent Cotchin.

Both are among the favourites for the Brownlow Medal.