Richmond's hopes of a breakthrough finals win - and even a premiership - hinge on improving their depth, with official data showing their bottom-tier players have the fifth-worst rating of any side.

In a year where coach Damien Hardwick will have to prove he deserves a contract extension, much could depend on the development of players such as Kamdyn McIntosh, Taylor Hunt, Dylan Grimes, Sam Lloyd, Jake Batchelor and Ben Griffiths. Analysis by the AFL's official statisticians, Champion Data, said the six players were ranked 17-22 at the club.

Heartbreak: Last year's elimination final loss to North was a bitter disappointment for the Tigers. Credit:Getty Images

"These six players have the fifth-worst rating, wedged right in between Melbourne and Gold Coast. The only four teams ranking worse for this measure all finished in the bottom four of the ladder last year," the report said.

The bottom four clubs last season were Essendon, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Carlton.