The Tigers kicked the first three of the second term. It capped a run of six unanswered goals. Seven minutes into the second term the disposal count was Richmond 155, Essendon 101.
Orazio Fantasia stopped the run when he booted his third of the match.
Richmond's key players Dustin Martin (21), Trent Cotchin (22) and Brett Deledio (20) are winning plenty of the ball in the first half.
After kicking three goals from their first seven forward 50 entries, the Bombers kicked two from their next 18. Nearing the end of the quarter, the Bombers had spent 78% of the term in their attacking half for a return of two goals.
Zach Merrett (20), Craig Bird (14) and Brendon Goddard (14) are the Bombers major ball winners.
At half time the Dons trail by eight points.