Essendon has the chance to beat Richmond for the first time since 2014 on Saturday night

Dreamtime at the ‘G’ has been a nightmare for Essendon for the past seven years but the boom team of the AFL could change all that this weekend.

Essendon will play Richmond at Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

A breakthrough win over West Coast last weekend was just “another step on the journey” for an Essendon outfit primed to end a 10-game losing streak on Saturday.

Bombers star Andrew McGrath says his teammates were refusing to buy in to the hype around his team which stung the Eagles in the club’s best win in years.

But that stirring victory in Perth last Saturday night could be the catalyst to end a losing streak against Richmond which stretches all the way back to 2014.

McGrath was still in high school the last time Essendon defeated the Tigers, with losses in the past 10 clashes between the two old rivals.

The means he, and several teammates, have never tasted victory against Richmond.

But all settled in their new Perth surrounds, with Richmond yet to make their way west from their new Sydney base, Essendon could be best placed to end that winning drought when they clash in the relocated Dreamtime in the West game on Saturday.

“We built it up, we hadn’t quite ticked off a big interstate win this season. It was a very pleasing night for our team, but still a very long way from where we want to get to,” McGrath said in Perth on Tuesday

“We’re cautious not to ride the rollercoaster of wins and losses this season, we are about getting better and getting better quickly.

“(Beating Richmond) would be another step in that direction. It would bring a lot of happiness and joy to our football club.

“They have had the better of us the last few years. In terms of our journey though, it’s just another stepping stone.”

Essendon supporters loving that win and so they should. One of the best wins interstate for some time. Boys are starting to believe. Playing with genuine effort and excitement. #AFLEaglesDons#Beers

— dustinfletcher31 (@dustinfletch31) May 29, 2021

McGrath said the Bombers could “maybe” have an advantage having flown to Perth last Wednesday amid mass Covid-enforced departures from Melbourne which also forced Saturday’s game to be moved form the MCG.

The Tigers will fly from Sydney, where they have been based, having also had to move hotels in the Harbour City, later this week.

“Maybe a little bit. We have been here a little bit longer,” McGrath said of any advantage.

“Richmond have been on the road a little bit longer than us. We have settled in here. But I don’t think it will be a home ground advantage.”

McGrath said everyone at Essendon would “wrap our arms around” defender Michael Hurley who has been placed on the long-term injury list as he continues to recover from the debilitating effects of an infection in his leg.

“We call him the ‘Big Brother’ or the dad of our football club. We all love him,” McGrath said.

“He’s had such a big impact on this group, even though he’s not playing. We wrap our arms around him always.”

Rousing rendition 💯

Turn this one all the way up, #godons fans. pic.twitter.com/uDDvfYMnT4

— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) May 29, 2021

Originally published as Essendon has the chance to beat Richmond for the first time since 2014 on Saturday night