SYDNEY Stack says the disappointment of missing Richmond's premiership last year has been a driving force this pre-season as he aims to back up a stunning debut campaign.

The Richmond youngster burst onto the scene last year as a Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period signing for the Tigers, becoming a key player in their charge to the finals.

An ankle injury in round 21 threatened to end his year, but he returned to feature in the club's VFL Grand Final win.

Stack was named an emergency for the Tigers' AFL Grand Final thumping of Greater Western Sydney, missing out on the club's historic victory.

"The year turned out pretty quickly. It all happened so fast and the next thing I know I was debuting and then at the end of the year unfortunately I got injured, but it was a great team success and win, and a great club to be a part of," Stack told AFL.com.au.

"It was pretty tough for me [to miss the Grand Final], but I couldn't be any happier. I reflected on my life that day and thought back to where I was. [After the game] I was on the field crying with Alex Rance, actually. I was very proud to be a part of the team and help them get there."

The 19-year-old has enjoyed a strong pre-season, including a brilliant high grab over Giant Toby Greene last weekend in the Marsh Community Series.

Stack said the mixed emotions of playing such a part in the Tigers' home and away season but missing the finals had spurred him on over summer.

"I'm definitely at my best fitness wise and feeling good with my form so I'm ticking all the boxes. It definitely makes me a lot more hungry to get back this year and play good footy," he said.

"I'm just hanging out for it now."