Richmond will use the 2012 season as a platform for bigger things, according to Richmond coach Damien Hardwick.

Hardwick acknowledged the loss to Fremantle at Patersons Stadium yesterday extinguished the Tigers’ chances of playing in the finals in 2012, but predicted no change to the team’s approach in the last two rounds.

“We want to make this a stepping stone for 2013, and nothing changes.  We’ve had a bump in the road,” he said.

“We have a six-day break and we take on Essendon, who didn’t play overly well today.

“There are going to be two clubs who are raring to go come Friday night.”

Hardwick said the Tigers fought hard against the Dockers, but was disappointed with the team’s overall performance.

“I thought the scoreboard flattered us, to be honest.  Freo had some gettable shots on goal, and we didn’t play anywhere near well enough,” he said.

“We came over here giving ourselves a really good chance to win, but we just couldn’t get our game up and going.

“That’s what happens against a hardened, seasoned unit.  I think they’re the second eldest side in the competition, and they just monstered us.

“Their pressure around the ball was solid, and I didn’t think we hunted the ball well enough.  

“There were various stages when we started to get up and going, but the thing they do well is defend this ground.”

Richmond defender Ben Griffiths was taken to hospital for precautionary scans after suffering concussion, but returned to Melbourne with the team and will be monitored through the week.