RICHMOND may turn to Reece Conca for Sunday's elimination final against North Melbourne despite the midfielder's hamstring problems restricting him to just two games this season.
The experienced Conca has not played since round 19 after hurting his hamstring in his second game back, but Tigers coach Damien Hardwick says he is a good enough player to be in the mix.
"He's a player that we feel can help us," Hardwick said.
"He's an important player to us, he's a capable player, but match fitness is obviously a key indicator on that one."
Conca hurt his hamstring early in the 2013 elimination final but was a good performer throughout 2014.
Hardwick said the selectors would select the fittest team it could and take into account the forecast temperature of 24.
That might count against Conca with the Tigers relatively injury free and in winning form having won their past four games.
Hardwick said the Tigers' form gave them confidence they would perform well in front of a crowd at the MCG that is expected to reach 80,000.
He said those playing in their first final knew what needed to be done, despite the coach conceding that the intensity of such games rises.
" Our game preparation doesn't change, the way we play doesn't change, so their roles and expectations stay exactly the same," Hardwick said.
"The mental preparation of this game is of no greater value than any game that we normally play, so they will just go about their business and prepare thoroughly."
Hardwick said the Tigers would also consider bringing in another tall forward such as Liam McBean, Shaun Hampson or David Astbury, who has played mainly as a defender, given the marking power in North Melbourne's defence.
The Tigers have not won a final since they defeated Carlton in 2001, having been eliminated in the first week of the past two finals series.
Hardwick said the pressure on the senior coach was always there, regardless of the time of the year and what was at stake.
"We just have to prepare thoroughly for this game and make sure we get the win that we deserve," he said.
"We have trained incredibly hard over the course of the year. I have incredible faith in our players and coaching staff to get the job done," he said.
