Trent Cotchin celebrates his first goal of the 2020 season in Friday night's qualifying final.

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin believes not having the week off during this year’s AFL finals series could actually work in his side’s favour as it chases a third premiership in four years.

History says it will be tough, with 15 of 20 premiers under the current finals system being teams that won straight passage to a preliminary final with a victory in week one.

The Tigers took that direct route on the way to flags in 2017 and 2019.

07:50

'We're excited about the challenge' - Cotchin

Trent Cotchin speaks to the media ahead of the semi final against St Kilda.

But their loss to Brisbane means they’ll have to go the long way around this time, starting with a semi-final against St Kilda on Friday night.

“The reality is we need to perform well against the Saints, otherwise the rest doesn’t really matter,” Cotchin said.

“But living in hub life, getting back into routine today (Sunday) and building into Friday night is probably a good opportunity.

“I know that our situation up here (in Queensland) in the sunshine is better than what it seems to be in Melbourne.

“But sitting around doing not a lot over a few days can also be a challenge as well, so we’re excited about Friday night against the Saints.”

00:57

QF: Cotchin's first goal of 2020 was worth the wait

Trent Cotchin shrugs the tackle and snaps it on his left.

As the designated home team, Richmond were granted their wish to play the semi-final at Metricon Stadium.

They have won all six of their matches at the Gold Coast venue this season and haven’t lost there in six years.

“At the end of the day, it’s closer to where we are (based) right now,” Cotchin said.

“We’ve played quite a few games there this year, but I haven’t really had a conversation about why or how (we chose that ground).

“But we feel like it’s our home away from home and we’re looking forward to getting back there on Friday night.”

01:49

'A lot of learnings' - Astbury

Dave Astbury speaks to Richmond Media following the qualifying final against Brisbane.

Cotchin expects key forward Tom Lynch to return against St Kilda, four weeks to the day after suffering a hamstring injury that has seen him miss the last two matches.

“From my understanding, he’s training really well and I think it’s just a matter of ticking off the main training session this week and he’ll be available to play, which is really exciting for our group,” Cotchin said.

Friday night’s semi-final will be the first time Richmond and St Kilda have met in a finals series since 1973.