AFL Round 20: Richmond v Essendon

FULL TIME

RICHMOND 1.2, 7.4, 9.8, 14.11 (95)
ESSENDON 3.2, 6.4, 8.7, 11.11 (77)

Richmond has kept its slim finals hopes alive by beating Essendon by 18 points at the MCG tonight.

The 14.11 (95) to 11.11 (77) win is the Tigers' sixth win in a row, a streak they last achieved in 1995.

The win takes the Tigers to nine wins, equal with 10th-placed Adelaide.

Only Hawthorn, Sydney, Geelong, Fremantle and Port Adelaide have stitched up a finals berth.

The last three spots will be fought for between North, Essendon, Collingwood, Ablett-less Gold Coast, Adelaide, Richmond and West Coast.

That Richmond is still eligible is remarkable given its 3-10 start.

In front of 58,024 fans, the Tigers were challenged in the final term but they stood up, kicking five last-quarter goals.

Brandon Ellis and Anthony Miles topped the stat count with 28 disposals apiece, while Dyson Heppell was best for the Bombers with 32 touches.

Ivan Maric was crucial for the Tigers, especially in the final term when he took some significant contested marks.

Well... one of the better Friday night matches. Thanks for your company. Return here tomorrow for Super Saturday... we've got GWS v North, Blues v Suns, Hawks v Demons, Cats v Dockers and Power v Sydney. (Good luck, Ronny Lerner!)

This has been Lee Crossley giving you your Friday night fix.

Goal to Ivan after the siren. Tigers win by 18 points and keep their finals hopes alive. First time they have won six in a row since 1995.

Richmond have got this.

Riewoldt kicks a point. 45 secs left. 12 point-margin.

Maric puts it inside 50 and Riewoldt marks in heavy traffic.

1.55 remaining. Ball with the Tigers.

Throw-in just forward of the centre for the Tigers. 2.20 remaining.

Howlett has a shot and it lands in the arms of Deledio. Didn't make the distance. Should have done better. 2.35 remaining.

Boundary throw-in on the wing. 3.20 remaining. Anyone's game still.

Q4 27 MINS RICH 88 ESS 77

Winderlich hits the post. Margin 11 points.