Shattered after being "beaten by what they know", Richmond coach Damien Hardwick doesn't think his side will fall away after becoming the first team out of the AFL finals.
A goal with 64 seconds left helped Brisbane to a two-point win in Thursday's pulsating elimination final at a sold-out Gabba.
In a moment reflective of their night and their season, three Tigers only managed to spoil a searching kick into the goal square towards an open Joe Daniher to seal their fate.
Hardwick lamented fundamental errors in the 16.10 (106) 16.8 (104) loss, an incredible tussle with 17 lead changes dominated by Lions midfielder Lachie Neale.
"Getting beaten by what you know really hurts," Hardwick said.
"This year, it's a disappointing season ... I feel we're better than what the position (seventh in the regular season) we're in is.
"But we are where we are and we'll learn a hell of a lot."
Triple-premiership star Shane Edwards was chaired off in his last game while Trent Cotchin was excellent.
Hardwick could only bat away questions over Dustin Martin's future by repeating he has two seasons remaining on his current deal.
The coach was more focused on the next crop though when looking for silver linings.
"We've got a really, really good squad of players that will forge forward, we're not looking to rebuild, we're looking to regenerate," he said.
"You're seeing the tip of the iceberg; we have some young kids that are really going to pop for us.
"We're excited about those and we think we attract really good players 'cause they can see a period of sustained success."
Asked about luring GWS star Tim Taranto, Hardwick revisited that line.
"We've got to show them (prospective recruits) that we're a club on the move," he said.
Tigers ruckman Toby Nankervis described Edwards as "an absolute champion bloke".
"Great person, great leader; his legacy will last on forever," he said.
"I'm so shattered and so proud of the boys for the year we've had and even tonight we fought right to the end.
"This (loss) will sit quite uneasy for a bit I think."
