MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 26: Dustin Martin of the Tigers (left) and Tom Lynch of the Tigers celebrate during the 2019 AFL round 19 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt has reaffirmed his prediction that Richmond will win the premiership.

With a shrinking injury list and a friendly fixture which could see them play the rest of the season at the MCG, there is a growing sentiment that Richmond is the team to beat in 2019.

The Tigers dismantled the Pies on Friday night for their fifth consecutive win, leading by as many as 52 points before Collingwood made the scoreboard appear more respectable late.

The 32-point triumph sees Richmond rise into the top four after a completed round for the first time since after round 10.

Riewoldt said Richmond has what it takes to win its second flag in three years.

“I declared them last Wednesday and I’m doubling down,” Riewoldt told SEN Breakfast.

“I just think their style stands up.

“Mack Horton is probably a cautionary tale of going the early crow after the weekend, but I’m declaring Richmond premiers.”

Richmond faces Melbourne, Carlton, West Coast and Brisbane to close the home and away season, and still has a chance of securing the minor premiership.