RICHMOND midfielder Reece Conca says the Tigers have moved on from their horror losses in Cairns over the past two years and a "new team" will take on Gold Coast on Saturday night at Cazalys Stadium.

 

The Suns are undefeated against Richmond, notching upset wins in northern Queensland in 2011 and 2012, but Conca said the Tigers of 2013 were mentally stronger than the outfit that collapsed in the dying minutes of last year's clash.

 

"We haven't really harped on about the last couple of years … we're really upbeat, really positive," Conca said in Cairns on Friday.  

 

"We obviously haven't got the success we would have liked, but it's a new team, a new year, and we're really pumped to get the win.

 

"We're a lot more confident with the group we've got, we've got the depth that's pushing through and everyone's really fighting for their spot.

 

"This is one of those games we've got to knock over."

 

The Tigers had a light training run at Cazalys Stadium on Friday afternoon, with ruckman Ivan Maric moving freely as he prepares to return from a two-week lay-off with groin soreness.  

 

Conca said a refreshed Maric would be crucial if the Tigers midfielders are to get on top of Gold Coast's emerging onballers, led by returning skipper Gary Ablett.

 

"They're a young blossoming side and they've got a heap of talent, but I think we've just got to focus on what we can do," he said. 

 

"We've got a talented midfield ourselves, so I think they'd almost be a bit more worried about us than vice versa.

 

"The experience of Ivan is really good and I think it's going to help us midfielders, especially if he can get on top of their talls in the ruck early."

 

Conca, who has averaged 20 possessions and 3.4 clearances this season, has played four games since returning from a foot injury, adding to the Tigers' midfield depth.

 

Back to full fitness, the 20-year-old said the Tigers' second-tier midfielders would be important against the Suns.   

 

"Matt Arnot's come back in and we've had some young guys like Nick Vlastuin and Brandon Ellis really pushing through, which is great," he said.

 

"It just helps our other key mids, like (Brett) Deledio and (Trent) Cotchin, to do their thing.

 

"The opposition can't shut everyone in the midfield down."