Richmond has faced some tough opposition through the season's first two months, but according to coach Damien Hardwick a potent Geelong outfit might just be the best of the bunch.

The Tigers suffered their biggest defeat in nearly two years on Friday night following a resounding 63-point loss to a rampant Cats side that kicked seven straight goals in the third quarter.

Having already faced fellow premiership contenders like the unbeaten Melbourne, the previously unbeaten Western Bulldogs and last year's preliminary finalists Port Adelaide, Richmond's indifferent start to the season is now reflected in a 4-4 record.

However, the Tigers coach believes the Cats might be ahead of everyone in the challenging pack, saying his side must respond ahead of next week's pivotal encounter with GWS in order to get their season back on track. 

"We've got no choice, we've just got to get to work," Hardwick said.

"Once again, we'll look at some things that Geelong did. They did some things really, really well that we'll take out of the game. There are some areas that we've certainly got to improve on.

"If you look at the tape, you'll see their ability to fight through tackles … that's the difference in the game. The game is 10 goals, but it's amazing … if you nullify those contests and we don't make a couple of errors, the game becomes a hell of a lot closer.

"They're a well-coached, well-drilled outfit that is probably the best side we've played this year."