Richmond's resurgence has continued in a hard-fought 13-point win over Essendon, with the Tigers spoiling Dustin Fletcher's 400-game milestone celebrations in the Dreamtime at the 'G clash on Saturday night.
After a scrappy start, the Indigenous Round's showpiece game lived up to the pre-game hype, with the Tigers (5-4) withstanding the Bombers' inspired second-half fightback to secure their third-straight win and keep hold of eighth spot on the ladder.
Despite their refusal to give in, more questions will be asked about the Dons' (4-5) finals credentials after the 10.12 (72) to 8.11 (59) defeat.
This was Essendon's third loss from the past four games, and fourth defeat to a fellow finals contender since their shock round-two triumph over Hawthorn.
James Hird's outfit has slipped to 10th on the ladder ahead of a critical clash with Geelong in round nine.
Richmond, on the other hand, should take some confidence into a Friday night clash with Fremantle at Domain Stadium before their bye.
Led by skipper Trent Cotchin (two goals), in-form midfielder Shane Edwards, Brandon Ellis and the impressive Shaun Grigg (two), the Tigers were able to respond to the Dons' spirited second-half challenge.
Richmond opened a 23-point lead late in the second term, before the Dons fought back gallantly in a bid to mark Fletcher's milestone with a win.
Sparked by livewire Travis Colyer's (two goals) electric third term, the Dons got within a point at the 19-minute mark but the Tigers did enough with four of the next five goals.
Brendon Goddard, Dyson Heppell and Brent Stanton tried hard for the Dons, while there was no room for sentiment for Fletcher.
The 40-year-old was subbed out early in the final term after gathering 10 touches, on the occasion when he joined Tigers great Kevin Bartlett (403) and Hawthorn's seven-time premiership player Michael Tuck (426) in the illustrious 400 club.
Like his side, Fletcher started quietly but worked his way into the match and the Dons were left lamenting their inaccurate 3.7 opening half, with Jake Carlisle the chief offender.
Carlisle, who came into the match battling flu, looked the most likely avenue to goal all night but his wayward kicking didn't match his vice-like marking.
The big man pulled down nine marks for the match – five contested – but finished with 1.3 and one shot out on the full in front of a massive 83,504 crowd at the MCG.
RICHMOND 3.2 5.6 7.10 10.12 (72)
ESSENDON 1.4 3.7 6.8 8.11 (59)
GOALS
Richmond: Cotchin 2, Grigg 2, C.Ellis, Griffiths, Martin, McIntosh, Morris, Riewoldt
Essendon: Colyer 2, Daniher 2, Carlisle, Chapman, Merrett, Watson
BEST
Richmond: B.Ellis, Martin, Cotchin, Edwards, Deledio, Grigg
Essendon: Goddard, Heppell, Hibberd, Carlisle, Colyer, Z.Merrett
INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Essendon: Fletcher (quad)
SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Corey Ellis replaced Liam McBean at three-quarter time
Adelaide: Marty Gleeson replaced Dustin Fletcher in the fourth term
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Margetts, Rosebury, Jeffery
Official crowd: 83,804 at the MCG
