Essendon defeat Richmond in instant classic Dreamtime clash

Essendon have produced a miracle finish in chaotic scenes at the MCG on Saturday night to leave fans in a euphoric state.

The Tiges can’t win close games. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Dreamtime at the ‘G has delivered an instant classic in 2023.

With the final kick of the contest Sam Durham kicked the goal that handed Essendon a one-point lead with only seven seconds left on the clock.

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The Bombers entered the final quarter behind by 12 points against Richmond who looked set to salute, but Essendon weren’t to be denied.

Goals to Durham and Jake Stringer brought the contest back to within a goal before Tigers youngster Judson Clarke pounced on a turnover to extend the margin back out to two goals.

But that only fueled the Bombers as they kicked the final two goals of the game with Jye Menzie slotting one before Durham marked at the top of the square with 30 seconds to go.

The win makes it the first time the Bombers have toppled the Tigers since back in 2014, snapping a streak of 13-straight defeats.

DURHAM!!!!

DONS WIN!!#AFLDonsTigerspic.twitter.com/SLEM4LYuOH

— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 20, 2023

Tigers youngster Rhyan Mansell will be looking for a place to hide after a set shot in the dying stages went pear-shaped.

Mansell lined up 35m out on a very slight angle but leant back on his kick as he missed everything as the kick sailed out on the full to leave the margin at five points.

A point would have seen the contest potentially end in a draw.

Bombers skipper Zach Merrett produced a stellar individual display to finish the contest with 39 disposals, seven tackles, five clearances and 679 metres gained. His display saw him awared the Yiooken Trophy.

But it was his run-down chase on Dustin Martin in the dying stages that resulted in the crucial turnover that ultimately saw the Bombers go the length of the field for Durham’s match-winning goal.

The loss highlights an ugly statistic for the Tigers, making it nine games without a win in matches decided by a goal or less since the start of 2022.

Essendon remain just outside the top eight on percentage while the Tigers are left languishing in 14th on the ladder six points away from eighth placed Adelaide.

The Tiges can’t win close games. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Richmond star Shai Bolton produced a moment of magic in the third quarter when he kicked a goal of the year contender.

Buried deep inside the pocket, Bolton collected the footy and in the blink of an eye threw it on his boot.

The ball perfectly bounced across the pristine MCG turf as it arched end on end before rolling through the middle of the big sticks.

“Bolton slides through a miracle. He had no right to do that,” Luke Darcy said on Channel 7’s coverage.

It was his second straight goal in the contest but was comfortably the more absurd and skilful of the two he had slotted.