Joe Daniher opened the scoring in the final term with his first goal of the day.
Richmond answered with the next two goals to stretch the margin to 18 points.
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti was moved into defence for the final term after seven possessions in the first three quarters.
The Bombers rallied in the middle stages of the term. A goal to James Kelly from on the 50 metre line brought the margin back to eight points.
Patrick Ambrose did an excellent job on Jack Riewoldt. The Richmond spearhead was held goalless.
Essendon generated nine of the first 13 inside 50's of the quarter to bring the margin back to one point, before Daniel Rioli steadied for the Tigers.
A goal to Shaun Grigg from a free kick stretched the margin to 13 points shortly after.
Zach Merrett (34), Brendon Goddard (26) and Craig Bird (24) were the Bombers major ball winners as the side fell short by 19 points.