Former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon says it is way too early to believe Richmond's level of hunger hasn't diminished, despite their 70-point win over North Melbourne in the JLT Community Series last night.
The Tigers followed up their 87-point win over Essendon in the opening preseason affair with the demolition of the Kangaroos, with their celebrated forward pressure returning.
However, Lyon has warned JLT form isn't an accurate measuring stick for home-and-away performances.
"I think they're going to contend but to say they've answered the question about a hangover is way way way way premature," he told SEN Breakfast.
"We are two games into JLT.
"Exhibit A, the Western Bulldogs. Start to the season last year, they won four of their first five.
"I have not had the question answered yet about their ability to go back-to-back with the same level of hunger and passion during the course of the season. That won't be answered in the JLT."
Last season, the Bulldogs lost two of their three preseason games, both against non-finals participants.
However, three-time premiership player Tim Watson is of the notion the magnitude of Richmond's latest victories is enough to believe they won't suffer a flag hangover.
"Their last seven wins - 104 points, 41, 51, 36, 48, 87 and 70," he said.
"That's an average winning margin of seven and a half goals in their last seven games. They're absolutely smashing sides."
The Tigers' 2018 campaign begins against Carlton on Thursday March 22.