Richmond delivered a significant setback to Essendon’s season with a narrow victory in a low-scoring match at the MCG. The Tigers fought hard despite a goal drought lasting over an hour, ultimately securing the win with a final score of 6.10 (46) to 4.13 (37). This win marks Richmond’s fourth of the season, placing them 17th on the ladder; however, they continue to exceed expectations in 2025.
In stark contrast, Essendon’s promising season has been hindered by injuries, leading to a disappointing performance where they managed only one goal and seven behinds in the second half. The Bombers’ struggles were compounded when star player Nick Martin was substituted early due to a knee injury sustained from a shove by Richmond’s Rhyan Mansell. Coach Brad Scott indicated post-match that Martin’s injury resembles a torn ACL, although further confirmation will come later in the week. This injury is particularly painful for Essendon, as Martin has been one of the few players to feature consistently throughout the season.
Richmond’s Tim Taranto was instrumental in the victory, accumulating 34 disposals and scoring a critical goal in the fourth quarter. Essendon’s captain, Zach Merrett, and young player Archie Roberts were also standouts, each registering 31 disposals.
The defeat adds to Essendon’s woes, as their roster has been plagued by injuries, leaving them without several key players this season. The only Bombers to play all 15 games so far are Merrett, Roberts, Andrew McGrath, Xavier Duursma, Jaxon Prior, Nate Caddy, Isaac Kako, and Martin. During halftime, Martin was seen using crutches, indicating the severity of his injury, as he clutched an ice pack on his knee. Compounding the team’s issues, midfielder Will Setterfield was seen icing his foot during the final quarter.
Despite the challenges faced by both teams, Richmond celebrated the milestone of three-time premiership defender Nick Vlastuin’s 250th game with their victory. As the season progresses, both clubs must navigate their respective hurdles, with Richmond still seeking to climb the ladder, while Essendon hopes to recover from a spate of injuries impacting their campaign.