Essendon VFL fell to Richmond by 61 points in Saturday afternoon's Dreamtime at the 'G curtain raiser.

Despite matching it with Richmond in a high-scoring, open first half, the Dons were again left to rue a third-quarter slump which saw the Tigers boot five goals unanswered, before a seven-goal final term blew out the final margin.

Missing Dylan Shiel (a late out due to illness), the Bombers struggled to match Richmond's run after the main break, despite winning a number of clearance stats.

The Tigers got an early jump on the Dons with the opening three goals in the first five minutes, but Essendon responded through a fast start from defender-turned-forward Campbell Gray, who slotted two goals in the opening term from his solid aerial presence. 

Campbell Gray looked imposing when the Bombers had their early run going. (Photo: Essendon FC)

Jye Menzie showed his class when given chances inside 50, booting two goals including a clever snap from the pocket to open proceedings in the second quarter.

The intercepting efforts of Vigo Visentini and Sam Weideman floating across half back helped to arrest Richmond's momentum throughout the first half, while Jackson Hately and Xavier O'Neill again fought manfully at clearances.

After half-time, the Tigers found another gear and opened up the contest, aided by their accuracy in front of goal and more damaging pace on the counter-attack.

Nick Bryan (23 disposals, 46 hit-outs, 10 clearances and an early goal) was a standout in ruck contests and around the ground, providing first use for the Bombers throughout.

Nick Bryan continued his strong form on Saturday. (Photo: Essendon FC)

Despite Essendon establishing a 48-31 clearance tally for the game from Bryan's ruckwork, Richmond's setup behind the ball prevented many meaningful forward entries from stoppages after half-time.

Taking 120 marks for the game to Essendon's 71 and having 60 more total disposals, Richmond dictated possession comfortably after the break and caused damage with the impact of their tall forwards and Jacob Koschitzke in defence.

After an improved fortnight saw the VFL Bombers thrash North Melbourne and challenge second-placed Williamstown away from home, Saturday marked a disappointing defeat for the side, with the second half lapse reflected on the scoreboard.

Essendon look ahead to a matchup with Box Hill at Windy Hill on Sunday.

RICHMOND     6.0     8.2     13.6    20.7    (127)
ESSENDON      5.3     7.5     8.5     10.6     (66) 

GOALS
Menzie 2, Gray 2, Wanganeen, Peris, Nyko, Jedwab, Foley, Bryan

BEST
Bryan, Hately, O'Neill, Foley