SUMMARY
After a rough patch of form, Essendon has tapped into a potent combination of speed and toughness that has its season back on track. The Bombers are settled at the selection table and players appear comfortable in their roles as a trademark style of play emerges at 5-4. They hit the annual Dreamtime at the 'G match on a high against a Richmond side that has been crushed by heartbreaking losses three weeks running. After a 5-0 start, the Tigers have slipped to 5-4 and they desperately need a win to break the cycle of close losses that are cruelling their season. Damien Hardwick's men are producing good football for long periods, but they are crumbling at critical times and losing credibility as a contender in an even season.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, May 27, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R17, 2016, Richmond 16.6 (102) d Essendon 11.17 (83) at the MCG
R10, 2016, Richmond 16.9 (105) d Essendon 10.7 (67) at the MCG
R22, 2015, Richmond 10.14 (74) d Essendon 7.5 (47) at the MCG
R9, 2015, Richmond 10.12 (72) d Essendon 8.11 (59) at the MCG
R20, 2014, Richmond 14.11 (95) d Essendon 11.11 (77) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Dustin Martin was the star when these teams last met, winning 43 possession and kicking two goals to earn the three Brownlow votes.
2. The Bombers won the inside 50 count for the first time this season in their round nine win against West Coast. They’re ranked No.16 in this category, while Richmond ranks No.4.
3. Richmond has had the better of Essendon recently winning the past five matches and six of the past seven. The Bombers' most recent win was in round 11, 2014.
4. No team kicks the ball more this season than the Bombers, who average 231.3 kicks a game. The Tigers rank No.15 with an average of 204.1. For total disposals, Essendon ranks No.6 and Richmond is last.
5. Goalkicking accuracy hasn’t been a strength for the Tigers, who have converted at 46.7 per cent this season. Essendon is mid-table at 50.6 per cent.
6. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti's has been on a constant climb up the Schick AFL Player Ratings this season and he is now ranked No.4 among Essendon players. Overall, he has climbed from No.312 to No.158.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … The Richmond leadership group.
Skipper Trent Cotchin and his deputies Alex Rance and Jack Riewoldt are only three of 22 players, but their leadership is relied on during the dying stages of games. In the past two weeks the Tigers structures in set play situations have let them down, and the leadership group has to wear some — but not all — of the blame.
PREDICTION: Essendon by 17 points
