Richmond defender Jake Bachelor believes continuity within the playing group has them well prepared for this year’s finals series.
Bachelor said a strong pre-season, a united mindset, and a lack of injuries has prepared the side well for September action.
“We had a pretty good preseason and got a lot of kilometres in the legs, so that’s held us in good stead,” he told ABC Radio.
WATCH: The Tigers train at the ME Centre on Thursday
“Everyone’s bodies are holding on and the fact that everyone has been able to play their roles and not go outside of what we do as a team makes sure the next week’s team stays the same.
“I think everyone realises it doesn’t matter who kicks the goals or who does all the flashy stuff. As long as we kick the goals and we get the four points that’s all that really matters at the moment.”
Richmond’s injury list has remained relatively low throughout the year, with the Tigers leading the league in players to have played every game for the season.
WATCH: A comprehensive match preview from Matthew Richardson and Brendon Lade
Bachelor said the team’s unity is reflected in the backline group, where stability has allowed the Tiger defenders to form a close bond.
“We are a very tight group. We’ve probably had the same seven for the whole year – Dylan Grimes is probably the only one who has missed a couple of games,” he said.
“We’re probably all leaders. We’ve all got enough games under our belts to know what needs to be done and when.
“We’re gelling very well and I think just the fact that we have a mix of players that can continually play on different types of players and different areas of the ground just gives us a bit more flexibility.”
WATCH: Damien Hardwick’s press conference at the ME Centre on Thursday