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After feeling like Richmond limped into the finals a year ago, captain Trent Cotchin believes his side have learned from this year's struggles.

After feeling like Richmond limped into last year's finals, captain Trent Cotchin says they are much better primed for this AFL premiership tilt.

The Tigers will take a nine-game winning streak into Saturday night's qualifying final against Brisbane at The Gabba.

Richmond will start favourites, especially after beating the Lions in round 23 at the MCG, but the popular tip is that it will be a tougher duel for the Tigers.

That is no concern for Cotchin and his Richmond teammates, especially after what they have overcome.

He said it felt like the 2017 premiers "limped" into the finals a year ago, on their way to being ripped open by Collingwood in a preliminary final.

This season the Tigers have had to overcome inconsistency and a much more significant injury toll.

Star defender Alex Rance has been out of action since round one and Cotchin has only managed 11 games because of hamstring troubles.

Their fellow Big Four teammates, Jack Riewoldt and Dustin Martin, have also been sidelined during the season.

"They're the hardships that make you as a team - you learn a lot of lessons through that and we've just carried those lessons through to the back end of the season," Cotchin told AFL360.

Coach Damien Hardwick is also encouraged by Richmond's form ahead of the finals.

"We probably were 'up' a lot earlier," Hardwick said of last season.

"We weren't playing our best footy at the back end of the year.

"I feel we're playing our best footy now - in saying that, I feel we can play better.

"This year I see our side, they're hungry, which really excites me."

Hardwick said his message to the team ahead of Saturday night would not deviate much from normal - that is, if Richmond are at their best, they are very hard to beat.

"If I start to delve into the 'oppo' (opposition) a little too much, we start to worry," he said.

"It's all about us."

Meanwhile, Hardwick doubts mature-age recruit Marlon Pickett will make his AFL debut against the Lions.

There is plenty of excitement around the mid-season rookie draftee, but Hardwick thinks it more likely that the WA utility will play in the AFL next year.

"You sort of, generally love the side you have now and there are a few pieces you can look at," Hardwick said.

"Marlon's one of those guys you love the look of and you think 'he'd be able to add something to us', but you're a little bit unsure.

"After another pre-season, he's going to be an incredible player for us. He certainly has a lot of upside."