RICHMOND midfielder Nathan Foley believes the Tigers can overcome their recent record of losing close matches to fancied rivals and take it up to Hawthorn this weekend.

The Tigers play Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

"We've been playing well against the top teams," Foley said. "We're going into each round with a fair bit of confidence.

"I think we're a threat against anyone at the moment."

He said last Saturday night's 19-point loss to Essendon in the Dreamtime at the 'G match was disappointing because once again the Tigers had to pay for a lapse, in this case the second quarter when the Bombers kicked 6.5 to Richmond's 2.6.

The Tigers have paid for lapses against most teams this season, losing to Carlton, Collingwood, Geelong, West Coast and now Essendon through short periods in which they've conceded ground.

According to Foley, the key to overcoming the lapses is seeking to play four even quarters.

"It's consistency of performance," he said.

"Each game when we've gone down there's been a patch where we haven't played the sort of footy we want to play.

"There were some good signs [against Essendon] but unfortunately, when we got in front they were able to get the next goal and they got a bit of a flow-on from there."

Foley said it's a shame Richmond has lost key defender Dylan Grimes, who was in brilliant form before tearing his hamstring against Essendon.

Grimes would have taken either Lance Franklin or Jarryd Roughead this Saturday but is now likely to miss three to four weeks.

While Alex Rance will take one of that pair, most likely Franklin, there are two options for the other task.

Jake Batchelor will step up from being the third tall defender or Ben Griffiths will get a role on a Hawthorn tall if he's promoted from the Coburg Tigers.

Foley has been among Richmond's best players this season, consistently finishing with a disposal count in the mid to high 20s.

Against Essendon he had 24 disposals, took six marks and had four clearances.

"I'm lucky to have had a consistent pre-season so I'm able to run out games a bit better," he said, adding that he's hoping to re-sign with the Tigers shortly.

Foley was speaking at Punt Road before the Better Buddies Games Day, an initiative of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation.

The foundation seeks to curb bullying in schools.