Essendon underlined its position as the finest team in the league with a disciplined and fierce 101-point demolition of Richmond. 73,465 fans packed the MCG to see the Bombers work their magic. After a slowish start, they exploded with nine goals in the second term. It was a consummate team performance that must have pleased coach Sheedy, especially considering that skipper James Hird was a late withdrawal from the team. Steve Alessio stood up with five goals and 22 touches in an excellent return to peak form.