RICHMOND is bracing for a "volatile" South Australian crowd for Thursday night's Grand Final rematch with Adelaide, which brings back Taylor Walker and Tom Lynch as it attempts to topple the reigning premiers.

It will be the first time the Tigers have returned to Adelaide Oval to face the Crows since they were humbled in a 76-point loss there in round six last season.

While the Tigers have the bigger and more recent bragging rights having spanked the Crows by 48 points in last year's decider, coach Damien Hardwick is wary of the punch the home team can deliver, especially after their opening-round loss to Essendon.

"After last week's performance, they had opportunities to win that game and (coach) Don [Pyke] was probably disappointed they didn't get over the line," Hardwick said on Tuesday.

"They're a really proud side and didn't quite play their best last week, so we expect them to come out on their home deck, and it's a pretty volatile environment at the Adelaide Oval.

"They gave us quite a touch up over there last time, so there's certainly some ammunition for us also.

"It's a great challenge for us against a really good side that's been a good side for a number of years. We'll be up for the fight, as will they."

Walker missed round one with a foot injury, while Lynch was out with a side strain.

Hardwick said they would plan for the duo to play, and would also put time into stopping the damaging skills of half-back Rory Laird and the midfielders Bryce Gibbs, Matt Crouch and Rory Sloane.

"They should get a few guys back, but that's not to say they're not an impressive unit," he said.

"Laird has just continued on from last year; we were watching him last night of how effective he is at getting the ball, he just finds himself in the right places at the right time.

"Bryce Gibbs has slotted in there nicely, he comes in and kicks two really important goals in the third quarter, and Crouch is just a ball magnet.

"He's like Tom Mitchell from Hawthorn, they just accumulate the ball and distribute it really well.

"They've got a really solid midfield with Rory Sloane through there as well, so we've got some headaches that we'll be planning for."

Hardwick has been impressed with the way his players attacked the pre-season after their premiership victory, but feels the Tigers have room to improve.

Having stalled early on against Carlton last week before going on to win by 26 points, he said the Tigers were under no illusions they needed to "re-establish" the late-season form that resulted in a flag. 

"Our footy is to a good level at the moment, but it can certainly get better," he said.

"We've got players who will continue to improve, we'll improve our coaching … our best football is, I firmly believe, in front of us."