RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick is enjoying the tougher edge the Tigers have shown in their 5-2 start to 2017, but says they have to get back on the winning track after two consecutive losses.

The Tigers lost to the Western Bulldogs by five points at Etihad Stadium on Saturday despite having led by 32 points early in the second quarter.

As disappointing as the loss was, Richmond's brave performance was a marked improvement on the 76-point flogging it received from Adelaide last Sunday.

Click here for full match details and stats

Asked on Saturday night how he assessed his team's start to the year, Hardwick said he had been encouraged by the improvement in the Tigers' contested football.

"I think it's been reasonable, the style of game we're playing. We've played some pretty tough footy," Hardwick said.

"I think the contested possession game again tonight was pretty high. I'm enjoying the way we're playing, it's pretty contested in nature, (our) pressure and tackle pressure is very good as well.

"So it's different than what it has been before, but make no mistake we've got to win some games.

"We're looking to bounce back versus Fremantle next week and get our home crowd behind us, get a couple of things going our way."

Five talking points: Western Bulldogs v Richmond

The Tigers are likely to be without defender Nick Vlastuin against the Dockers next Sunday after he injured his right shoulder against the Bulldogs.

Vlastuin was injured in a contest early in the second quarter of Saturday night's contest and did not take any further part in the game.

Hardwick was unsure of the extent of Vlastuin's injury when he spoke to reporters after the game

"He didn't finish the game obviously but what that damage is we'll probably get an assessment later on tonight," Hardwick said.

Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt kicked the 500th goal of his career when he booted the first of his four majors against the Bulldogs midway through the first quarter.

Riewoldt's four-goal haul continued a strong start to 2017 after he struggled at times last year.

Hardwick said Riewoldt had overcome an ankle problem that had affected his form in 2016.

WATCH: Damien Hardwick's full media conference

"The ability to jump at the ball has returned. He had a little bit of an ankle impingement last year, but I think he's doing that really well at the moment," Hardwick said.

"He's had a really good year."