It is no secret that Richmond have been failing to perform a Tigers standard of football this season.

Despite heavily dominating the AFL throughout the past four years and going into the 2021 season as premiership favourites, many are starting to question whether this is the end to the great Richmond Dynasty.

Round 15's loss to St Kilda was no exception to such belief, with the mere two goals barely allowing the Tigers to hold their eighth position on the ladder.

AFL Rd 2 - Collingwood v Richmond
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 11: Dustin Martin of the Tigers looks on after the 2020 AFL Round 02 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 11, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

With a performance so un-Richmond like, many have begun to completely rule the team out of premiership contention.

However, is this really the end to the Tigers' domination?

Despite the "ever growing list of doubters", a number of facts suggest that Richmond should not be ruled out of the race just yet.

The remaining fixture is a prime example, with the Tigers set to play only two top-eight teams in the concluding eight rounds.

Whilst injuries have been a key weakness in the club's lineup this year the premiers are also in store for some big returns.

Richmond Tigers Captain's Run
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 15: Tom J. Lynch of the Tigers looks on during the Richmond Tigers AFL training session at Adelaide Oval on October 15, 2020 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Despite Callum Coleman-Jones stepping up and scoring an average two goals per game, the absence of Tom Lynch has been noted.

The two-time premiership forward is said to be in the frame for selection this Thursday. The news comes after the tall forward returned to heavy training this week after suffering a knee injury.

Also in the likes of returning are defenders David Astbury and Nick Vlastuin.

Their returns come at a crucial time for the Tigers defence after the loss of both Noah Balta and Nathan Broad last weekend. Both players suffered significant ankle injuries and will be out for a number of weeks.

Toby Nankervis is also at least one more week away, heavily benefitting the struggling midfield.

However, perhaps the biggest factor in favour of the Tigers is the upcoming home advantage.

With COVID heavily impacting majority of Australian states, Victoria remains the most COVID free.

As a result, the AFL are considering the creation of Victorian hubs and another "Football Frenzy", according to Fox Footy's John Ralph.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Trent Cotchin of the Tigers comes off the field with the premiership cup during the 2017 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Adelaide Crows and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 30, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

There is no secret that the Tigers thrive at home matches.

The team broke the record for most wins at the MCG back in 2018 after their 18th consecutive win at the ground against Collingwood.

As a result, the potential of performing in front of their record breaking 103,358 members might just be what Hardwick's boys need to relocate their hunger to winning ways.

There is no doubt that the reigning premiers' best team is a chance of winning yet another flag, however it is up to the team to use such advantages in their favour to bring out the Tigers we have all come to know over the past four years.