The Tigers were bowled out of September by Carlton in the first week last year, missing an opportunity to win their first final since 2001 and just their third since 1982.
They enter this year's finals series on the back of nine straight wins and with a clean bill of health, prompting hopes that Sunday's elimination final against Port Adelaide won't be their only final this year.
"You've got to give yourself a chance to become a premiership player and there's eight sides that give themselves that opportunity - we're one of them," Hardwick said on Thursday.
"It's really hard to get back and the competition's becoming so even at the moment that you've got to take your chances when they present.
"Granted we're in eighth spot but I think it might be a fair assumption to say this might be one of the best finals we see.
"Our guys are playing a sustainable brand of footy that we think is capable of winning big games."
Hardwick said there was a different feeling at Punt Road Oval this week compared to last year's build-up against the Blues and the players had learned from their experience.
He said the club wasn't focused on avoiding any mistakes made last year, saying, "There's certainly 10 other sides that want to be in our position".
The Tigers had a squad of almost 40 that trained on Thursday morning , with half-forward Chris Knights the only player working away from the main group.
Hardwick said the match committee faced some selection dilemmas, with club champion Dan Jackson pushing to return after recovering from a hip injury and serving a VFL suspension.
"It's one of those decisions you make as a coach and you can live or die by them," Hardwick said.
"We've just got to pick the best side that gives us the best chance to win.
"That's a decision we'll make when we have to finalise our side on Friday. He knows where it's at.
"The fact of the matter is he hasn't played senior footy for about three or four weeks, and Ty Vickery's in the same boat."
Aaron Edwards draws the plaudits of teammates at training on Thursday. Picture: AFL Media
While Jackson has played two VFL games with limited minutes, Vickery has not played at any level since he was suspended for punching West Coast ruckman Dean Cox in round 18.
Earlier this week Hardwick said in-form key forward Ben Griffiths had locked in his spot with a series of strong performances while Vickery had been sidelined, making it tougher for the tall forward to break back in.
"It's a hard decision to make," Hardwick said.
"The training we're getting into those guys is never going to be at AFL level but we've been able to get some solid work in.
"Before he went out through suspension Ty was in pretty good form. He's a goalkicker and they're always handy."
The Tigers will draw confidence from their round 21 win at Adelaide Oval, against Adelaide, as well as their round 17 win against Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium, the third win in their run of nine.
The club has also resolved a scheduling dispute and will be able to train at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, helping their preparation for Sunday's clash.
"We've travelled really well. It's something we've prepared for well, so we don't think it'll be anything we haven't seen before," he said.
Richmond had three players named in the 40-man All Australian squad on Tuesday and Hardwick said the recognition was due reward for Dustin Martin, Brandon Ellis and Alex Rance.
He said Martin, who explored trade options at the end of last season, had been "nothing short of outstanding" since re-signing with the club, playing 21 games and ranking No.2 in the AFL for kicks this season.
"His maturity level, like most young players, has improved and he'll only get better over the course of time," Hardwick said.
"He's made some really good decisions with his life, he's doing a lot of work upstairs with our KGI Institute (the Tigers' indigenous youth centre) and he speaks to a lot of school groups.
"He's become a really solid citizen of our footy club and we're really proud to have him as part of our family."
Hardwick said the key for Richmond was getting more consistency out of its next rung of players, including Nick Vlastuin and Reece Conca, who were primed to take their games to a new level in finals.
"They're all young, they're inexperienced, but more importantly they're starting to perform in big games and this is going to be a big game for them," he said.
"We're looking forward to that challenge, I'm sure they are, and it's going to be what helps us win the game."
While Jackson has played two VFL games with limited minutes, Vickery has not played at any level since he was suspended for punching West Coast ruckman Dean Cox in round 18.
Earlier this week Hardwick said in-form key forward Ben Griffiths had locked in his spot with a series of strong performances while Vickery had been sidelined, making it tougher for the tall forward to break back in.
"It's a hard decision to make," Hardwick said.
"The training we're getting into those guys is never going to be at AFL level but we've been able to get some solid work in.
"Before he went out through suspension Ty was in pretty good form. He's a goalkicker and they're always handy."
The Tigers will draw confidence from their round 21 win at Adelaide Oval, against Adelaide, as well as their round 17 win against Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium, the third win in their run of nine.
The club has also resolved a scheduling dispute and will be able to train at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, helping their preparation for Sunday's clash.
"We've travelled really well. It's something we've prepared for well, so we don't think it'll be anything we haven't seen before," he said.
All in at Tiger training ahead of their clash with Port Adelaide. Picture: AFL Media
Richmond had three players named in the 40-man All Australian squad on Tuesday and Hardwick said the recognition was due reward for Dustin Martin, Brandon Ellis and Alex Rance.
He said Martin, who explored trade options at the end of last season, had been "nothing short of outstanding" since re-signing with the club, playing 21 games and ranking No.2 in the AFL for kicks this season.
"His maturity level, like most young players, has improved and he'll only get better over the course of time," Hardwick said.
"He's made some really good decisions with his life, he's doing a lot of work upstairs with our KGI Institute (the Tigers' indigenous youth centre) and he speaks to a lot of school groups.
"He's become a really solid citizen of our footy club and we're really proud to have him as part of our family."
Hardwick said the key for Richmond was getting more consistency out of its next rung of players, including Nick Vlastuin and Reece Conca, who were primed to take their games to a new level in finals.
"They're all young, they're inexperienced, but more importantly they're starting to perform in big games and this is going to be a big game for them," he said.
"We're looking forward to that challenge, I'm sure they are, and it's going to be what helps us win the game."
