RICHMOND is likely to include Reece Conca for his first game of the season when the Tigers play Gold Coast on Sunday at the MCG.

Conca has played three VFL games since returning from a hamstring injury and was clearly the Tigers' best player against Coburg last week.  

The Tigers' seniors are coming off an embarrassing 70-point loss to North Melbourne and coach Damien Hardwick said out-of-form ruckman Ivan Maric would also be considered for selection if injury sidelines Ben Griffiths.

Hardwick said he felt his players did not give enough effort in the loss to the Kangaroos.

"I expect leadership from all 22 players who take the field. What I also expect is incredible effort which I don't feel like we gave over the weekend," Hardwick said.

Richmond has slipped from finals contention after just four wins in the first 11 games although Hardwick said he still had faith that the group of players at his disposal could return to good form.

"The measure of a great footy club is that when you are playing poorly you can still win games," Hardwick said.

"Unfortunately when we play poorly we are getting beaten quite handsomely. The consistency of performance is what we are looking for."

Hardwick said although his list had felt bruised and battered at times during the season, everyone at the club was desperate to return to the winner's list. 

"I will back my players in to the hilt. There is a reason they are at our footy club - they can play," Hardwick said.