If Richmond is looking for answers for its early season demise, Jack Riewoldt has offered what appears to be a major one. The star forward believes the Tigers have spent too much time trying to play in the mould of premiers Hawthorn, a team which boasts some of the competition's elite players.

With just the two wins this season, the Tigers have little, if any, chance of making the finals for a second straight season. Club president Peggy O'Neal had said over summer a finals berth would be a pass mark.

'Unfortunately we went one way with our game, and the game went the other way.' Credit:Getty Images

The Hawks have been meticulous with their kicking in recent seasons but have the required skill to play a high-possession game. The Tigers have unsuccessfuly tried to emulate this.



The Tigers have close links with the Hawks. Coach Damien Hardwick was an assistant coach at the Hawks and remains a close friend of Hawks' counterpart Alastair Clarkson. The clubs have also held match simulation sessions together over summer.