A man whose parents died separately while attending Richmond match-day events says he hopes their spirits can help the Tigers take their first premiership since 1980.

Michael Davis says his mother and father both died, 11 years apart, while supporting their beloved team.

Michael grew up in a family dedicated to the yellow and black.

"We'd go to all the games," he told ABC Radio Melbourne's Jon Faine.

"We went through the glory days, the halcyon days of Richmond in the '60s and '70s, and then the sad days of the '80s and '90s."

He said his parents Peggy and Colin Davis stuck with the Tigers during a time when lesser supporters abandoned them.

"Dad and mum both were passionate to the point where they were doing the Save Our Skins campaign ... shaking the tins and saving the club when we were about to fold, when we had few supporters and were losing by 100 points every game."

Father died during Collingwood match

Colin Davis was 63 when he died while watching Richmond play Collingwood on the Queen's Birthday weekend in 1994.

"He was in the middle of the game and had an aneurism," Michael said.

He said his father was taken from the ground by ambulance but died later at the Epworth Hospital.

"Luckily Richmond won the game."

Peggy Davis was a Tiger through and through. ( Supplied )

Peggy Davis died of a heart attack while supporting the Tigers ahead of the 2005 Dreamtime game against Essendon at the MCG.

Michael said it was a "very cold Melbourne day in the middle of July" when she died at a pre-game event at Punt Road Oval.

"Thankfully Richmond got up and won that game as well."

Finals may pose health risk

Michael said his parents died doing what they loved.

"They both loved the game, they both loved the club."

He said he hoped his parents' spirits could cheer Richmond on from above this weekend and help them win the preliminary final.

Michael's family history of game-related deaths hasn't dampened his passion for the Tigers, although he is often reminded to keep his blood pressure down while watching them play.

But he won't be attending the grand final should Richmond make it.

"I don't want to jinx it and I don't want to risk my health."