Chris Scott believes Geelong has a "method that troubles" a Richmond side that he declared was a better outfit in 2018 than the 2019 version.
"They've (Richmond) made a few minor tweaks to the way they've been playing since then, but I think to look on the positive side, and I don't think it means that much, but certainly our players aren't looking back thinking we can't beat them," Scott told the media on Tuesday.
"I think we do have a method that troubles them, I'm not a big fan of looking too far back but I don't think we were anywhere near as good a team as we are now, last year.
"And I think they were a better team last year than they are now."
Friday night's preliminary final will be the second time these two sides meet this season with the first being a 67-point win for the Cats at the MCG.
The Tigers were missing eight key players - including the likes of Jack Riewoldt, David Astbury and Kane Lambert - during the round 12 clash.
Meanwhile, Scott didn't reveal who will replace suspended forward Tom Hawkins but conceded a call had been made.
"We virtually came to that position on Saturday, we've known for a while, the players all know, it's not a great mystery."
Midfielders James Parsons, Scott Selwood and Charlie Constable are in the frame if the Cats decide to send Dangerfield forward, while swing man Lachie Henderson had a full training session on Tuesday.
The Tigers host the Cats in the first preliminary final at the MCG this Friday at 7.50pm.