Dreamtime at the G: Essendon defeats Richmond by 23 points to climb into top eight

Essendon suffered two key injury blows as the club’s tall stocks took another huge hit on a night where the Bombers surged into the top eight with a Dreamtime victory over Richmond.

Essendon have clinched the 21st edition of the Dreamtime at the ‘G clash after kicking clear late to down Richmond by 23 points in what was a predominately dour version of the marquee game.

The contest failed to reach any meaningful heights for most of the night, and the first half was dogged by turnovers and skill errors galore from both sides. But after eight lead changes, the Bombers emphatically shut the gate, booting four goals in a row before running out 11.15 (81) to 8.10 (58) winners.

The Tigers headed into the match without key pillars Toby Nankervis, Tom Lynch and Noah Balta, and while they put up a brave fight, it proved to be too many key outs to overcome for the developing side.

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Nic Martin was named best afield.

But the victory came at a cost for Essendon with forward Kyle Langford subbed out late in the second quarter with a quad injury, after only just returning to the line-up a month ago from a hamstring injury. And luckless defender Zach Reid departed the game in the third quarter with a fresh hamstring concern, having already suffered three hamstring injuries in his fledgling career.

Meanwhile, Richmond lost Thomson Dow at half-time due to a knee issue and No.1 pick Sam Lalor picked up a hamstring injury in the final quarter.

Angus Clarke was one of the heroes with three goals in the first half on debut.

Zach Reid speaks to Nic Martin post-mach after being subbed with hamstring awareness.

In what was grind of a match, the weight of numbers in Essendon’s favour proved decisive. The Bombers dominated the disposals (441-333) but their pressure was so good that they also convincingly won the tackles (71-54). They also were superior at the coal face, finishing with massive advantages in clearances (45-23) and contested possessions (141-121).

Nic Martin was outstanding for the Bombers with 35 disposals (12 contested), nine marks, eight tackles, six clearances and two goals, Sam Durham was a beast in the middle, registering 26 touches (13), six clearances and a goal.

Zach Merrett starred too with 37 touches and seven tackles.

Meanwhile, Essendon first-gamer Angus Clarke did his best Dean Polo impersonation with a memorable AFL debut in a Dreamtime game, and while he didn’t win the medal like Polo did 19 years ago, he booted three goals from the wing in the first half and finished with 16 possessions.

The Bombers celebrate their victory, which propelled them into the top eight.

SHOCKING START

The first quarter was one of the worst exhibitions of Australian rules football you would ever wish to see. The skill level from both sides was utterly deplorable, especially when going forward as their delivery inside 50 was of the lowest quality imaginable. They finished the term with 14 forward entries apiece, yet could only muster a combined three majors.

Tim Taranto goal

TARANTO MIRACLE

There weren’t many highlights in the first quarter, and the clear standout moment was Richmond midfielder Tim Taranto kicking one of the goals of the season as he threaded the eye of the needle from an impossible angle on the boundary while being tackled by Zach Merrett. With hardly any daylight between the goal posts, Taranto somehow managed to sneak it home from 30m out.

Nic Martin's party trick gather

Nic Martin's midair soccer goal

MARTIN MAGIC

Gun Bomber Nic Martin did his best to outdo Taranto early in the second term when, after Isaac Kako’s shot on goal from the goal square was smothered, he ran onto the richochet and soccered it home out of mid-air from a tricky angle.

DONS STAY AFLOAT

It’s the first time in 11 years that the Bombers have won three consecutive Dreamtime matches and, with a 6-4 win-loss record, they continue to exceed pre-season expectations. Brad Scott’s men have provisionally snuck into the top eight heading into the weekend.

Originally published as Dreamtime at the G: Essendon defeats Richmond by 23 points to climb into top eight