RICHMOND is starting to click into gear after an injury-ravaged start to the season, but Damien Hardwick admits the real test will come next week against Greater Western Sydney.

The Tigers were ruthless in their 92-point win over Gold Coast on Saturday, kicking 16 goals to three in a dominant first half. 

TIGERS SAVAGE SUNS Full match coverage and stats

The win leaves Richmond well placed at 9-6 with their remaining seven games at the MCG.

After dealing with injuries to a bulk of stars for much of the season, Hardwick said it was great to get some continuity and build some momentum heading towards September.

"We did make those seven changes (last week) and we knew we'd be a little clunky (but) the boys are starting to connect a little bit better and get our game up and going, which is really important especially at this time of the year," Hardwick said. 

"It was a step forward there's no doubt about that. We can certainly get better in a couple of areas but we're pretty pleased overall with the result we got today." 

Hardwick said his side would get a better idea of where it's placed when it takes on the fourth-placed Giants next week.

"They beat us by about six goals earlier in the year. So we're looking forward to challenging ourselves against one of the better sides of the competition," Hardwick said.

"We'll probably get a better understanding of where we're at but we're certainly confident our best footy is capable.

"It's just making sure we give our players the opportunity to play their best football next week."

WATCH Damien Hardwick's full post-match press conference

Jack Riewoldt is close to returning from his PCL injury, but in the meantime Hardwick said he was pleased with the speed and synergy his forward line was offering.

Jason Castagna starred with five goals against the Suns, while Tom Lynch (three goals), Shai Bolton (two goals) and Sydney Stack (one goal) also proved a headache up forward.

"(Castagna) was in good form early. Speed up forward is certainly important, they're hard to play against, which is another positive," Hardwick said.

"Shai Bolton took another step forward in his development today and Sydney (Stack) continues to become a really valuable player for us."

Hardwick also praised the debut performance of Next Generation Academy product Derek Eggmolesse-Smith, who finished with 19 disposals.

"We were really impressed with what he did today. He's a good ball user, wins his own ball really well and sees the game really well," he said.

"He's got a little way to go, had a couple of errors, but we're really pleased with what he put out there today and he'll certainly grow from that."