THE WESTERN Bulldogs' march to the Grand Final has handed Richmond an unwanted record – the Tigers now have the longest existing drought without a place in the premiership decider.

Long-suffering Richmond fans haven't seen their side in a Grand Final since 1982, and that 34-year barren stretch is the AFL's longest after the Bulldogs ended their 55-year wait for a chance at glory. 

Adelaide is now second on the drought list, with its last Grand Final appearance in 1998.

North Melbourne and Carlton are equal third, having not reached a Grand Final since they met in 1999. Melbourne is next (2000), followed by Essendon (2001).

The Dogs do, at least until next Saturday, maintain their place at the head of the reverse premiership list – it has been 62 years since their last flag.

Melbourne has the next longest flag drought, with 52 years in the wilderness.

Years since last Grand Final appearance

Richmond 34
Adelaide 18
North Melbourne, Carlton 17
Melbourne 16
Essendon 15
Brisbane Lions 12
Port Adelaide 9
St Kilda 6
Geelong, Collingwood 5
Fremantle 3
Hawthorn, West Coast 1
Greater Western Sydney, Gold Coast N/A
Sydney Swans, Western Bulldogs to meet next Saturday

Years since last premiership

Western Bulldogs 62
Melbourne 52
St Kilda 50
Richmond 36
Carlton 21
Adelaide 18
North Melbourne 17
Essendon 16
Brisbane Lions 13
Port Adelaide 12
West Coast 10
Collingwood 6
Geelong 5
Sydney Swans 4
Hawthorn 1
Fremantle (22 years in AFL), Greater Western Sydney (five years), Gold Coast (six years) N/A