Richmond's six wins from eight games in 2003 has failed to win over many doubters, but the Tigers can thrust themselves forward as legitimate premiership contenders with a win in Perth this weekend.

Beating the flying Eagles would vault Richmond into genuine contention in the eyes of many according to veteran Tiger Leon Cameron.

"With the outside world looking in, you're trying to gain added respect," Cameron said.

"We're 6-2 but whether that's gained respect from the media, the outside public and our supporters, we don't know.

"All we're worried about is fronting up each week and putting in a performance that we can walk off the ground and be proud of, and we've done that the last six or seven weeks.

"If we win over there a lot of teams are going to take a lot more notice."

Since the start of last season, West Coast has won 13 of 16 matches at Subiaco Oval.

"You've got to block out the crowd which is 95 per cent West Coast, and we're not used to that....it's a mental challenge for us," Cameron said.

"They do kick big scores and it's a big challenge for us to drag them down to 12 or 13 goals."

It has been a year to remember for Cameron, an important figure in Richmond's improvement this season after being played up forward to revive his form following a disappointing 2002.

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