AS LONG as the maths agrees, Richmond is still chasing September action.

The Tigers head to the break having won two of their last three matches, and face a run home that pits them against four sides above them on the ladder and four sides below.

An appointment with West Coast at Subiaco Oval in round 15 shapes as crucial, with home games against Essendon and the Brisbane Lions to follow.

Assistant coach Brian Royal said the team had to focus on finals while the numbers said they still could.

"It's really important that we focus on trying to get a spot in the eight, that's probably our focus over the next three or four weeks," he told richmondfc.com.au.

"We've won two of our last three games, so there's still an opportunity. Obviously, we've got to have everything going right for us for that to happen, but that's certainly a major focus.

"Obviously after two or three weeks, we have to reassess based on results."

Royal said that the club saw enormous benefits for the players in making the finals.

"We believe if we can finish in the lower part of the eight, it gives us an enormous platform – and obviously gives the guys experience – going into next year."

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.