Richmond vs Essendon

Richmond stretched their winning streak over Essendon to 12 as they recorded their eighth consecutive Dreamtime win against a determined but ill-equipped ...

Eventually, the Tigers ran the ball down the outer wing for Bolton to seal the match with his second goal. Admittedly, it’s not hard to give away a 50m penalty nowadays, but there were few excuses for the six Richmond conceded against Essendon. At one stage, Bolton just placed the ball at his feet rather than giving it back to his opponent. They hung in there as the Tigers blew chances to push the lead beyond reach with Lynch the main culprit kicking four behinds before three quarter-time. It was genuine from McGrath but the lack of Essendon players with a physical presence is obvious, particularly in colours once renowned for ruthlessness. Jack Riewoldt kick-started Richmond, handing Shane Edwards the first goal of the game after taking a mark inside 50 before he kicked his own from another mark close to goal. Their midfield group still gather disposals that don’t hurt the opposition much although with young players on every line they have not enough talent around them.