Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has implored his players not to waste their finals chance, warning they might not be back as the competition becomes tighter every year.
The Tigers were eliminated by Carlton in the first week of the finals last year, missing an opportunity to win their first final since 2001 and just their third since 1982.
They enter this year's finals series on the back of nine straight wins and with a clean bill of health.
"You've got to give yourself a chance to become a premiership player and there's eight sides that give themselves that opportunity - we're one of them," Hardwick said on Thursday.
"It's really hard to get back and the competition's becoming so even at the moment that you've got to take your chances when they present.
"Granted we're in eighth spot but I think it might be a fair assumption to say this might be one of the best finals we see.
"Our guys are playing a sustainable brand of footy that we think is capable of winning big games in finals."
Hardwick said there was a different feeling at Punt Road Oval this week compared to last year's build-up against the Blues and the players had learned from their experience.
He said the club wasn't focused on avoiding any mistakes made last year, saying, "There's certainly 10 other sides that want to be in our position".
The Tigers had a squad of almost 40 that trained on Thursday morning, with half-forward Chris Knights the only player working away from the main group.
Hardwick said the match committee faced some selection dilemmas, with club champion Dan Jackson pushing to return after recovering from a hip injury and serving a VFL suspension.
"It's one of those decisions you make as a coach and you can live or die by them," Hardwick said.
"We've just got to pick the best side that gives us the best chance to win.
"That's a decision we'll make when we have to finalise our side on Friday. He knows where it's at.
"The fact of the matter is he hasn't played senior footy for about three or four weeks, and Ty Vickery's in the same boat."
While Jackson has played two VFL games with limited minutes, Vickery has not played at any level since he was suspended for punching West Coast ruckman Dean Cox in round 18.
Earlier this week Hardwick said in-form key forward Ben Griffiths had locked in his spot with a series of strong performances while Vickery had been sidelined, making it tougher for the tall forward to break back in.
"It's a hard decision to make," Hardwick said.
"The training we're getting into those guys is never going to be at AFL level but we've been able to get some solid work in.
"Before he went out through suspension Ty was in pretty good form. He's a goalkicker and they're always handy."
The Tigers will draw confidence from their round 21 win at Adelaide Oval, against Adelaide, as well as their round 17 win against Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium, the third win in their run of nine.
The club has also resolved a scheduling dispute and will be able to train at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, helping their preparation for Sunday's clash.
"We've travelled really well. It's something we've prepared for well, so we don't think it'll be anything we haven't seen before," he said.
