The memory of last season's Aviva Premiership play-off defeat to Northampton Saints still rankles with Leicester Tigers back-row forward Julian Salvi.
Tigers crashed out 21-20 to their great rivals at Franklins Gardens having led 17-6 at half-time.
The hosts, though, snatched a last-gasp victory leaving Salvi, his team-mates and Tigers' supporters in a state of despair.
"We could have got through to the final," said Salvi ahead of Saturday's trip to Exeter Chiefs.
"It was a matter of two minutes at the end when we fell off our guard.
"We defended for the whole second half which isn't ideal in any sense but we just pulled up short."
The memory of that defeat will only add to Tigers' desire to get back to the top this season, according to the 28-year-old flanker.
They have made a good start, with an opening-day 36-17 win over Newcastle at Welford Road.
"For a lot of players who were part of that defeat at Saints, there is that drive to get back to winning ways and get back to where we should be," he said.
"We have that quality to be pushing for trophies in every competition we play in.
"I don't want to be in that position I was in last year, bowing out in the semi-final. That's not the Leicester way.
"It was the first time I have experienced it and I don't want to experience it again. We are here to be in finals."
Injuries bit deep last season but Tigers still managed to reach the play-offs.
Salvi believes that, with the new faces acquired between seasons, Leicester are well placed to deal with whatever issues come their way in what is always a highly physical and demanding season.
"It is probably one of the better squads that has come together since I have been here," he said.
"There is the quality and depth to be able to call on other players through matches and have that talent and knowledge available. That is crucial.
"It may also allow us to rotate a bit more and give guys a bit more opportunity to rest before the bigger matches."
Tickets are still available for Leicester's trip to Exeter's newly-extended Sandy Park.
Contact the Chiefs' ticket office for further details on 01392 890890 or at: www.exeterchiefs.co.uk
