Bombers beat Tigers by 35 points
Essendon have continued their improving form in the AFL, beating winless Richmond by 35 points on Saturday night at the MCG.
The Bombers set up the 19.16 (130) to 14.11 (95) win in the sixth annual Dreamtime At The 'G indigenous tribute match, with a seven-goal burst in the first term.
Essendon ruckman David Hille was best afield with three goals, 26 possessions, 14 marks and 23 goals.
But the Tigers never gave up and kicked six goals to five in the final term to prevent a blowout.
Richmond key forward Jack Riewoldt kicked six goals, equalling his best tally in a game, and Tigers midfielder Trent Cotchin impressed with 25 disposals.
It is Essendon's third win from their past four matches, leaving them just outside the top eight with a 4-5 record, and it was the first time this season they have enjoyed back-to-back wins.
The Bombers had an impressive spread of goalkickers with 14.
But their next opponents will be the in-form Western Bulldogs on Friday night at Etihad Stadium.
Hille also kicked four goals in last week's upset win over St Kilda and his outstanding performance against the Tigers included a great banana goal from a set shot deep in the pocket. His third goal gave Essendon a 54-point lead in the final term before the Tigers rallied, kicking five of the last six goals in the match.
Before the opening bounce, a free was awarded to Riewoldt, but he missed the set shot.
It was a sign of bad things to come for the Tigers as Essendon quickly took control and opened up the midfield.
They kicked seven goals in 15 minutes to lead by 41 points and another bad night loomed for Richmond, the only team yet to win this season.
But the Tigers rallied with the last two goals of the quarter to trail by 27 at the main change, with defender Brett Deledio playing a pivotal role in the fightback.
Riewoldt kicked the first two goals of the second term to reduce the margin to only 15 points at five minutes and suddenly it was a contest again.
But that was as close as Richmond came, with the Bombers kicking three of the next four goals to halftime.
Essendon remained in control through the third quarter, extending their lead to 41 points at the last change.
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