RICHMOND'S players won't draw on past disappointments as a spur when they lock horns with bogey side Carlton on Thursday night in the MCG's opening match of the season.
The Tigers, who have a dismal record against the Blues, including one win from the past 12 head to heads and their shattering 20-point loss in last year's elimination final, have focused on looking forward this pre-season.
After healing the wounds from their lost finals opportunity, the club's first since 2001, the players returned from their off-season break with renewed motivation and dedication.
Former captain Chris Newman says they won't look back when preparing for Thursday night's game and are ready to fight the Blues for their first win for the season after losing to Gold Coast two weeks ago.
"It's been well documented about how disappointing it was to lose that final, but in terms of the emotional side of the game this week, we're just focused on playing Carlton in 2014," Newman told AFL.com.au this week.
"The past is past.
"For a lot of the boys it took a little bit of time to get over it in the off-season, but from day one when we stepped into the door we were ready to go and put the past behind us."
Vice-captain Brett Deledio agreed the game was highly anticipated outside the club, but maintained the players would approach the match with level heads.
"It's been built up by the outside source, I think. I don't think the clubs are building it up as much, or the players certainly aren't," Deledio told SEN on Wednesday.
"I saw a photo of the 'G and it looks in immaculate nick, so I'm looking forward to getting out there with as big a crowd as possible."
He also said he didn't believe the Tigers were scarred from losing close games in the past.
Newman said the Tigers were expecting nothing short of a tough game from the Blues, who are also searching for their opening win of the season after losing to Port Adelaide in the first week of round one.
He also said he was enjoying the rejuvenating challenge of playing across half-forward in a move spurred by the emergence of half-backs Nick Vlastuin and Matt McDonough.
"It's something I haven't experienced before, but I've been enjoying it," Newman said.
"It's that half-forward role with the flexibility to go back.
"There's no doubt I'll be on the back flank at times and go through the midfield at times, so I'll have to be fairly flexible as most players do these days.
"It's something that I enjoy and hopefully I can turn that into some results."
