The Tigers were on the wrong end of a 27-15 free kick count in their 12.9 (81) to 11.7 (73) win in front of 76,424 fans at the MCG on Friday night.

It continued a theme for Hardwick's men this year.

After 21 rounds, Richmond had conceded the most free kicks in the league and received the fewest.

"It was a frustrating night, there's no doubt," Hardwick said.

"Once again, it's not the free kicks that we give away ... the vast majority, 80 per cent, are there.

"But it's the ones we don't get that probably I find a little bit frustrating."

The premiership coach feels particularly aggrieved for spearhead Jack Riewoldt, who gave away three free kicks and received none against the Bombers.

"I look at Jack tonight and I thought, 'You know what - he doesn't get much'," he said.

"And I look at the other end and think, 'Oh, I wish he was playing (there).'

"Anyway, it is what it is.

"Jack normally perseveres with that. He doesn't blame, doesn't complain - he just gets on with it and jumps at the ball.

"There's not much we can do about it. We'll just take it for what it is and hopefully we'll get a better result next week."

The lopsided free kick stats are one of the few areas Hardwick has reason to complain on the eve of the finals.

The Tigers, who he says didn't play near their best, held off a late charge by Essendon - who bowed out of the finals race - to win their 20th match in a row at the MCG and claim top spot.

And they did it without premiership skipper Trent Cotchin and grand final stars Dion Prestia, Kane Lambert and David Astbury, who were all out injured.

All except for Lambert should return for the round 23 clash against the Western Bulldogs.

"We'll get the majority of our best side up and going next week, get them back playing together and get a little bit of that clunkiness out that we're probably seeing at the moment," Hardwick said.

"We're not playing our best footy, but we think it's not too far away."

Australian Associated Press