Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has assessed the Tigers' form as a "six out of 10" so far in 2014, but is pleased they'd been in front in every last term so far.
However, he isn't interested in the theory the Tigers are satisfied with their sole finals berth last year and is determined to shelve the inconsistencies that have plagued individual quarters this season.
"We've just got to make sure we eradicate those inconsistencies of how we play, which we thought was past us," he said.
"Unfortunately, they rear their head and we, like any other side, want to continue to work and get back to what we do best and the results we're after.
"The guys with the consistency of their preparation and their performance, we've just got to make sure that transfers to on field."
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Hardwick stressed the importance of Richmond ticking off wins against quality sides, having not beaten the Pies since Round 19, 2007.
“From our point of view, every game is important,” he said.
“Collingwood have been a real strong side for a long period of time. They’re probably a bit like us at the moment, not playing their best football but we think we’re a quick flick of the switch there and Collingwood aren’t far off it either.”
Hardwick admitted turnovers hurt the Tigers last weekend and rectifying that area of their game would go a long way towards getting a result at the MCG tomorrow night.
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He believes that his side is putting in the hard work necessary to get the four points.
“We played reasonable football but unfortunately when you kick the ball directly to the opposition you’re sort of caught offside and the ball goes directly over your head,” he said.
“I think, out of their first five goals (last week against the Western Bulldogs), we gave them four from direct kick clangers.”
“We acknowledge it, we take stock of it, we’ve just got to continue to work at it.”
Despite the absence of Alex Rance, Hardwick is confident that Richmond’s defenders will continue their good form to nullify Collingwood forward Travis Cloke.
“The defenders are up and about. I think the defenders have been playing incredibly fair over the course of the first three rounds and we hope that tradition continues this week,” he said.
“We’re hoping it’s going to be a great game that we come out on top of on Friday night.”
Tigers aim to iron out errors
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has assessed the Tigers' form as a "six out of 10" so far in 2014, but is pleased they'd been in front in every last term so far.