The Tigers had one more scoring shot in the first half on Sunday against North Melbourne, but sprayed 2.12 to kick themselves out of the game.
That extended their losing streak to 11 as they also struggle with a long injury list.
But Vlastuin says taking on the Demons in their annual MCG clash is just what the Tigers need.
"It's pretty easy to get sapped ... we were 1.12 before halftime, a few injuries going down. So it is hard," the veteran defender said
"But you're playing AFL. You can't be too down on yourself.Â
"This week definitely helps with the big game, Friday night against Melbourne. They're going pretty well, so if that doesn't get your motivation up, I'm not sure what will.
"It's definitely one of those special games you mark at the start of the year, playing for a purpose greater than us, I suppose."
Vlastuin was one of the offenders with Richmond's scoring inaccuracy in the loss to North
"I usually blame it on the forwards, but I probably had the easiest one," he said
"At training, we all nail them and we're pretty handy with them. Then on game day, maybe the mental yips or something jumps in a little bit."
Vlastuin was asked whether early missed shots played on his side's minds and the 32-year-old premiership star had to correct himself about where he sees the young Tigers.
"There's definitely something in that. Even in the first five minutes, we had four or five inside 50s and kicked a few points, (then) they (North) go the whole ground and kick a goal," he said
"It's definitely sapping, but that's part of AFL. We're a young side, so maybe the mental demons get us a bit quicker than other teams, but it's something you have to work on.
"It's going to happen in finals if we ever get there again ... well, me - Richmond definitely will."
Vlastuin added Richmond's barren start to the season had been "a weird one".
We've actually played some pretty good footy without getting great results," he said.
"We're having lapses for quarters here and there. Last year, we were getting dominated in all the key stats, but we'd win the games.
"So the process last year was probably worse, with better results. Hopefully it's coming. Hopefully we can kick a bit straighter, myself included, and get a win."
Vlastuin and teammate Sam Grlj, who will play in his first Anzac Eve match on Friday night, were promoting the club's association with the Bravery Trust charity, which helps returned service personnel going through financial hardship.
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