Victory in Saturday night’s Dreamtime at the ‘G clash would see the Bombers claim three straight wins for the first time since 2014.

It’s that sustained run of form Coach John Worsfold covets.

“What we are trying to instil in our group is playing with consistency week in, week out,” Worsfold said.

“We aren’t looking at a three week program, we are looking at an extensive long term plan to play at the same level.

“Our focus is backing up the form that we’ve been building over the last month.

“We lost a couple of players with injury but we are learning a lot about the guys that are getting that opportunity. 

“If we can show the form that we’ve displayed over the last couple of weeks consistently over the remainder of the year, I can’t see why we can’t be playing strong finals footy.

“That’s all dependent on the next 10 or so weeks.”

The last time the two sides met Richmond midfielder Dustin Martin collected 43 disposals.

Worsfold said he would most likely rely on ‘team’ defence rather than a straight out ‘tag’ to quell the Tigers star.

“We are a different team now, so we are certainly aware of what their midfield brings,” he said.

“It’s more around how we attack them as a team. We’ve used players in the last four or five weeks in semi run-with roles but not straight tagging.

“It’s unlikely we will tag him, but we have the ability to go to that if we want to.”

The Tigers have lost their last three matches by less than a kick, but opened the season with five straight wins.

“They probably had their disappointing game against Adelaide, but they’re not alone there,” Worsfold said.

“Other than that their form has been strong. They got over the line in the early games and then lost a couple of close ones but they’ve been against good teams.

“They’re form is really strong and we are looking forward to stepping up into that.”

After nine rounds Richmond are placed seventh on the ladder with Essendon close behind in tenth spot.

Just two games separate the top ten sides.

“I honestly can’t really remember a season that has been so open and so close,” Worsfold said.

“Some of the stats I heard last night about teams coming from behind at half time, it makes for a really exciting season.

“We saw the Bulldogs jump out of the box last year to win the flag and I think that’s why most clubs are excited this year.

“Finish as high up as you can on the ladder and give yourself the best chance.”