A top-four contender in 2013, Damien Hardwick's team has fallen to 16th after eight games this year, with finals now a pipedream.
As the players arrived on Monday morning to review their 17-point loss to Melbourne, Deledio insisted Richmond could still play finals in 2014.
But as he prepares to play his 200th game, against Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium on Saturday, he couldn't say how the team would get out of its current slump.
Full match coverage: Tigers v Demons
"If I had the answer to that I'd be a coach myself," Deledio said.
"We're searching for [the answer]. We're trying to find it; we're training hard.
"We're definitely staying united and getting around each other.
"I can't explain it and I can't put my finger on it. If I did I'd be a genius, I suppose."
The Tigers kicked 9.20 against the Demons and didn't deserve to win to win, Deledio said, because of their failure to convert chances.
They were also beaten in contested marks (9-19), contested possessions (121-138) and clearances (32-41), leaving Hardwick frustrated post-match.
Deledio said frustration had been the overwhelming feeling arriving at Punt Road Oval on Monday morning.
"Especially coming off last year, we won 15 games," he said.
"It's obviously not a fitness thing, it's just a composure thing I think and taking your chances.
"Blokes are trying hard, but for whatever reason we lost those one-on-one battles, both forward and back and in the midfield."
Deledio said the Tigers, who have only beaten the Brisbane Lions and Carlton this season, were lacking improvement among individuals but the players were working hard to turn that around.
The 27-year-old, who has never won a milestone game, said converting chances against the Giants this week would help rebuild confidence.
"They're a young up-and-coming side like we were a few years ago, so they'll be putting their best foot forward and taking it right up to us," he said.
"We look forward to the challenge and hopefully kick our goals.
"There's nothing like kicking a goal as a side, especially nailing a tough chance."
On-field issues appear set to overshadow Deledio's 200th match this week, which has been reached early in his 10th season thanks to a largely injury-free run.
Having played only one final in his 199 games, he said he had learned how to persevere through the challenging times.
"You don't play just to enjoy the highs, you've got to have the lows that come along with it," he said.
"That's what footy's all about isn't it?
"I've been through some tough times here at the 'Tiges'.
"But I continue turning up and I love this place, I forever will, I suppose.
"[Playing 200 games] is something I'll be pretty proud of when I'm finished."
Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
