Richmond assistant coach Justin Leppitsch admits fear of losing to Gold Coast

RICHMOND assistant coach Justin Leppitsch admits there is a "little bit of fear" in the Tigers camp about losing to the Suns in Cairns.

Trent Cotchin

RICHMOND assistant coach Justin Leppitsch admits there is a "little bit of fear" in the Tigers camp about again losing to the Suns in Cairns.

Leppitsch, a triple premiership player at the Brisbane Lions, said losing to the Gold Coast at Cazalys Stadium last year was a dark day for a club that has had its share of tough times.

"We are a better team (in 2012). I think we are better equipped," he said before the Tigers trained briefly in stifling heat and humidity yesterday.

"Factors like last year's game can hopefully drive us to make sure it doesn't happen again. It was a horrible feeling - a low feeling. It's probably second to losing a grand final, that sort of day.

"Everyone has them throughout the year, you lose to a team you should beat."

Today's clash is the second of three Tigers home matches to be held in Cairns, where Suns coach Guy McKenna says his side will be five goals better off than at the MCG.

The Suns have not won since the corresponding fixture last year when they finished over the top of the Tigers in the tropical heat and humidity as a gale-force wind blew directly down the ground.

McKenna said the Gold Coast were delighted to meet the Tigers in Cairns again instead of the home of football in the midst of a Melbourne winter.

"It's in our own back yard so we are happy to come up here," McKenna said.

"It's a great initiative by Richmond. I know they get howled down about it but to bring AFL football to our country zone, it's fantastic."