Tigers down Bombers for Dreamtime AFL win

Richmond’s AFL season continues to gain momentum, with the Tigers defeating Essendon by 38 points in their Dreamtime at the ‘G clash for their third win in a row.

Led by a standout performance by Dustin Martin on Saturday night, Richmond improved to a 4-6 win-loss record with a workmanlike 16.9 (105) to 10.7 (67) victory in front of 56,948 fans at the MCG.

Coach Damien Hardwick will gleefully bank the four premiership points but he perhaps won’t be quite so pleased when he reviews a few aspects of the Tigers’ performance.

Richmond looked set for a handy percentage-boosting win when they led the depleted Bombers by 28 points early in the second term but they went missing in patches and weren’t able to go on with the job.

Still, a win is a win.

Martin continued his stunning run of form with a career-high 38 possessions, while Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio, Brandon Ellis and Shaun Grigg were influential.

And after just two touches last week, Ty Vickery was much improved with three goals.

After leading by 16 points at halftime, the Tigers played some breathtaking football as they leapt out to a 36-point advantage.

But John Worsfold will have plenty of positives to point out to his players, perhaps most notably the way they fought out the game.

Brendon Goddard and David Zaharakis led the way for Essendon and youngster Darcy Parish continued to excite thanks to his eye-catching 25-disposal effort.

Essendon finished the game a man down on the bench after defender Michael Hartley suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter.

MORE TO COME

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