The highlight of Sir Doug Nichols Round did not disappoint as the Bombers hold on to win over the Tigers in front of 79,359 fans.
The 20th edition of Dreamtime at the ‘G saw the hottest of starts as Jake Stringer secure three first term majors, but a hearty quarter from the Tigers behind some vintage Dusty play had the heavyweights tied at the first break.
Essendon were able to lock away field dominance in the second term, intercepting brilliantly and making their efforts count before a Mykelti Lefau double blow erased any sort of scoreboard pressure.
The third term delivered in every aspect, featuring another brilliant Dusty effort while Langford found his footing for two goals, lifting the Bombers to an eight-point lead entering the final exchange.
Against the odds, the Tigers dominated the clearance battle, but it was the Bombers pulling away in the last, wrapping up the contest (12.14) 86 to Richmond's (10.14) 74.
We graded every player in this year’s electric Dreamtime clash.
Richmond
Dustin Martin: A+
Who said Dusty was finished? Kicked a goal of the year nomination in the first, looked as good as ever closing in on his 300th game. Three goals, 22 touches.
Shai Bolton: A
As lively as you’ll ever see. Covered the ground superbly, two goals to go with his six marks and 16 touches. A very unfortunate injury late ruled him out of the final term, potentially sealing the result.
Toby Nankervis: A
Played a pivotal role in keeping the Tiges in the game. Led the game with eight clearances, dominated Goldstein in the ruck with 43 hit outs.
Thomson Dow: B+
Looked really strong in the contest, a good performance. Five clearances, 21 touches.
Hugo Ralphsmith: B+
Loved his run, has the potential to develop into a real gun on the wing. Kicked a goal late to cap off a good game.
Marlion Pickett: B+
Looked incredibly lively in the 50 early besides a few shaky moments. Three missed opportunities but had to be there to earn them, made it count in the third. Rolled back and looked composed.
Dion Prestia: B+
27 touches, played a big role in the midfield dominance.
Kamdyn McIntosh: B
50th career goal was a ripper.
Seth Campbell: B
Putting together a nice season, covered the ground and pressured well.
Daniel Rioli: B
Plenty of dash, not the most efficient but a strong game, nonetheless.
Noah Balta: B
Returned to defensive duties, rotated with Miller on Peter Wright and had some big moments in the final term.
Nathan Broad: B-
Six marks and nine intercept possessions, held his own.
Liam Baker: B-
His importance in this Richmond side cannot be understated. Had a few top notch moments through the middle.
Ben Miller: B-
Played a role on Peter Wright, held him goalless.
Kane McAuliffe: B-
Tom Brown: C+
Remains an underrated defender however couldn’t quite impact.
Mykelti Lefau: C+
Took some time to get going but landed a vital double blow in the second term. Otherwise, not much else.
Jayden Short: C+
A few dangerous skill errors early, seven turnovers.
Nick Vlaustin: C
Failed to take a mark until the final term, could not affect the play in the way we know he can.
Tyler Sonsie: C
Samson Ryan: C-
Noah Cumberland: C-
Steely Green: N/A
Came on for Bolton in the final term.
Essendon
Jordan Ridley: A+
So good on return. To think the Bombers had already been so impressive without this guy… 14 intercept possessions, 759 metres gained, 31 disposals, 12 marks and a goal, he did it all.
Mason Redman: A
Seemed to intercept everything. 24 touches and eight marks for Reddog.
Jake Stringer: A
They call him ‘The Package’ for a reason. Continuing a phenomenal season, three goals in the first term, was absolutely everywhere within the Bombers’ forward line in the first half. Slowed drastically as the game went on but four great goals.
Zach Merrett: A
Consistently good around the ball, plenty of run and closed his 31 touch performance with a goal. All-Australian captain?
Nic Martin: A-
Plenty of touch as always. Did not stop running, always found space and disposed very well. 29 on decent efficiency.
Ben McKay: B+
Did his job in a well covered backline.
Dyson Heppell: B+
Led from the back, stood tall all night.
Jayden Laverde: B+
13 intercepts from his 20 disposals.
Nick Hind: B+
Arguably his best performance for the season. High impact in the first half for two goals.
Kyle Langford: B
Quiet first half but came alive two goals in the third. Remained dangerous late, finished with
Peter Wright: B
Couldn’t find the goals but did well presenting up the ground. Just two marks but a strong 19 touches.
Sam Durham: B
Good moments for the young gun, just needs to tighten up his disposal.
Jye Caldwell: B-
At his physical best tonight. Five tackles and five clearances.
Andrew McGrath: C+
A slower start for McGrath, finished up with just the 19.
Jade Gresham: C+
Couldn't find the goals, just the 12 touches.
Nate Caddy: C+
Every bit a future star, certainly worth persisting with in the senior side.
Jake Kelly: C
Alwyn Davey Jnr: C
Matt Guelfi: C
A quieter game following a great run of form.
Todd Goldstein: C
Beat drastically by Nankervis.
Elijah Tsatas: C
Entered the contest after the first break
Archie Perkins: C-
An unusually quiet night for Perkins.
Nick Cox: N/A
Subbed out at quarter time.
The Bombers will travel north to take on the Suns on the coast, while the Tigers take on Geelong at GMHBA.