In the wake of Richmond’s disappointing loss to Hawthorn at the MCG last Thursday night, there is a big positive omen . . .

The Tigers have one win, one loss and one draw from their three games so far this season.

That’s exactly the same win-loss (and draw) ratio Richmond had after three rounds 40 years ago, back in 1980, when it went on to win the premiership.

In the opening round of the ’80 season, the Tigers defeated Hawthorn by five points at Princes Park – 16.15 (111) to 15.16 (106).

They then went down by five points to Essendon at the MCG in Round 2 – 17.15 (117) to 17.22 (124).

And, in Round 3, they drew with St Kilda at the MCG – 18.20 (128) to 19.14 (128).

Following that Round 3 draw, Richmond proceeded to reel off 11 wins in-a-row en route to the premiership.