Richmond will use the experience gained in its trips to tropical Cairns over the past couple of years, to be better prepared for Saturday’s crucial clash with the Gold Coast Suns at Cazalys Stadium.

“There’s no doubt it’s going to be hot, but you’re on the pitch for about two and a half hours, so it’s just one of those things you adapt to as best you can and play the style of footy that allows you to win,” said coach Damien Hardwick.

“The humidity’s probably the thing that makes the ball a little bit slippery, so we’ll look at some things such as gloves and sweatbands for the players.

“We’ll travel up late, train up there, then get the game over with and fly straight back.  It will be normal, as per the previous trips.”

Hardwick rates Gold Coast as a much-improved outfit . . .

“They’re a good side, they’ve got some really good strength with regards to clearance numbers, contested-ball numbers, and they score a lot of paddock goals,” he said.

“So, we’ll work our way through those things and get our strengths up and going as well.”