Richmond have their AFL season back on track, downing Essendon by 15 points in a gripping Dreamtime at the ‘G clash.

The Tigers led by three points on Saturday night at the final break and held the Bombers goalless in the fourth quarter, with late majors to Jack Riewoldt and Toby Nankervis sealing an 11.15 (81) to 10.6 (66) victory.

Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin reigned supreme in the midfield, while Brandon Ellis (30 touches) was influential down back in front of 85,656 fans at the MCG.

Martin (30 disposals, seven tackles and a goal) became the first player in the 13-year history of the annual Dreamtime clash to receive the Yiooken Award twice as the best player on ground.

The off-contract gun also won the award during the Tigers’ 38-point victory in last year’s fixture.

The much-needed victory breaks a four-game losing streak for Damien Hardwick’s men and cements their spot in the top eight.

Essendon came surging out of the gates with early goals to Orazio Fantasia, Joe Daniher and Brendon Goddard.

The evergreen Goddard racked up 13 disposals and two majors for the quarter to put Essendon ahead at the first break.

Richmond dominated play in the second quarter, with Shane Edwards booting his second goal to place the Tigers in front.

But a controversial umpiring call helped the Bombers to snatch the lead back, much to the dismay of the pro-Richmond crowd.

With minutes remaining before halftime, Jayden Short guided James Stewart’s long bomb over the Essendon goalline, only to be pinged for a deliberate rushed behind.

Replays showed Short was hard done by, with Bombers forward Josh Green – who slotted the resulting free kick – chasing him all the way into the goal square.

The Tigers needed a spark and, once again, it was Martin who stepped up to provide it.

In a dominant third quarter, Martin had 11 of his 30 disposals, booted a goal and set up two others.

The Bombers continued to breathe down the Tigers’ necks during the final break but wasted a golden opportunity when Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti sprayed his shot directly in front of goal.

Richmond have won the past three Dreamtime games, with Essendon unable to build on their strong recent form.