MELBOURNE _ Richmond's star midfielder Trent Cotchin says that it's time for the Tigers to take the next step after showing steady improvement in the past two AFL seasons.
He says the Tigers have rebuilt the club virtually from scratch under Damien Hardwick, who's entering his third season as coach.
Cotchin says after a couple of good developing years, it's time to show further improvement.
The Tigers play last year's finalists Carlton, Collingwood, Geelong and West Coast in the opening five rounds, starting with an MCG clash with the Blues on March 29.
``It's the real deal now,'' Cotchin said yesterday.
Cotchin, 21, said the Tigers knew a good start against tough opposition would set the club on the path to potentially securing their first finals appearance since 2001.
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