REBECCA Miller hasn't belted out "We're From Tigerland" since August, 2019. And never in the AFLW.
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But the Wagga product is confident Richmond can put a forgettable 2020 campaign behind them as she looks to secure her first victory in the big time.
The 25-year-old made a strong transition from a ruck to a key defender last year, but team-wise the Tigers' maiden campaign was a grind after ending it as the only winless team in the competition.
But a solid recruiting campaign, the return of a fully-fit skipper Katie Brennan and a year of football under the rookie's belts has Miller confident the team song will be sung with gusto soon.
"I think we realised after six losses last year just how much hard work it takes to win one AFL game," she said.
"The first game against Carlton and running out in front of 15,000 was something I'll never forget, but we soon saw the step from VFLW to AFLW was a big one.
"The strength of the players was a big difference and the lack of time you have with ball in hand to make decisions. Now I know what to expect, so I'm a bit more relaxed.
"I think about 17 of us debuted last year, and you just know it can't get any worse than last season.
"Hopefully we can get at least one (win) and hopefully a few more, but that first one will be pretty special. The last time I sang the team song was August, 2019, it's been way too long, so it'll be a fair rendition once we do I'd say."
The Tigers, who played their first intra-club match on Sunday, open their campaign against Brisbane on January 31.
It's one of four games scheduled for the club's traditional home Punt Road Oval, the first time senior football has been played there since 1964.
"We've worked hard during lockdown and I think our recruiting staff have done a wonderful job," she said.
"Sarah Hosking, Sarah Dargan, Sarah D'Arcy and Harriet Cordner have dragged us all up quite a few notches with their levels and standards., and (number one draft pick) Ellie McKenzie is a jet," she said.
"It's a pretty different team and it will be a very hard team to get selected in."
After COVID ensured a premiership wasn't decided last year, Miller said the players are ready to adapt to whatever it thrown at them as the pandemic continues to create border closure uncertainty.
"I think we really are. Since the end of the season got cancelled last year it's been a constant demand to be flexible, and that's all you can do in situations like this," she said.
"The AFLPA has done a really good job. They've emailed us all and negotiated agreements that if we go into hubs, we get paid a certain amount for each day and those who can't go to hubs get paid as if they were playing.
"That's all shored up in case the worst case scenario does eventuate, but we'll see what happens and go from there."
The Tigers will be coached by Ryan Ferguson this year, who most recently held the role of development and backline coach for the men's side.
"He's really positive and his perspective is amazing as well, he doesn't expect us to be perfect in round one," Miller said.
"Last year we were really high and low and always riding that roller coaster, but this year we want to keep it consistent.
"He brings the programs and standards that have obviously been part of a very successful men's program at the club."
Richmond will play their first official practice game against Western Bulldogs on Saturday.
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