1. Richmond's resurgence continues
After a horror start to the season, Damien Hardwick's men find themselves on a three-game winning streak. The Tiger train is slowly gaining momentum, and it's their stars in the middle who are rising to the top. Star midfielder Brett Deledio kick-started Richmond on Saturday night, with a 10 disposal, two goal opening term, while Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin were instrumental at the coal face. It's only the third time this season the trio have all been out on the park together, showing just how important they are to Richmond's resurrection. The Tigers will now quickly turn their attention to Friday night, when they travel to Hobart to play the rebounding Roos in what will be a huge test. 

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2. Dusty's domination
Dustin Martin was at his dangerous best against the Bombers. The midfielder carved up the opposition by foot, showing off his elite kicking skills. At the end of the game, he had amassed a career-high 38 disposals, as well as seven clearances and three score assists, the stunning performance earning Martin the Yiooken Award for the best on ground. The 24-year-old is averaging a career-best 27.5 possessions per game, but just as impressive is his work-rate off the ball. Martin is the No.1 ranked player for pressure acts at Tigerland and if his form continues upwards, he will be looking at All Australian selection. 

GAMEBREAKER: Dusty's Dreamtime domination

3. The silver lining
It wasn't all bad for the Bombers. Midfielder David Zaharakis was superb in the opening half. He amassed 21 disposals and had eight clearances to his name at the main break, prompting Hardwick to send Taylor Hunt to him in the second half to shut him out. Zaharakis was held to just five touches in the third term, but he still managed to finish the game with 30 disposals to be the Bombers' best player. Defender Courtenay Dempsey won his duel with Richmond livewire Daniel Rioli, limiting the Tiger to just six possessions and no goals, while having 17 disposals of his own. Some of the younger Bombers also showed some promise. One of the best passages of play involved Orazio Fantasia side-stepping Dylan Grimes on the half-forward flank, to flick a handpass over the top to Darcy Parish who finished brilliantly with a goal. Once again Parish gave Bombers' fans plenty to smile about, finishing with 25 touches and two goals. 

4. Woosha's milestone
It was a significant night for Essendon coach John Worsfold, as he became the 18th man in VFL/AFL history to notch up 500 games as a player/coach. He played 209 games for West Coast, and coached the club for 281 matches. His 10 games so far at the helm at Tullamarine brings his grand total to 500. But it was not a memorable game for the premiership coach, as the Bombers slumped to their eighth straight loss.  Woosha will be hoping his 501st game will be a better one, with the Bombers to face the winless Dockers in Perth next Saturday night. 

5. Dreamtime at the 'G
56,948 braved the freezing cold weather to flock to the MCG for the 12th annual Dreamtime at the 'G clash. The marquee match of Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round, was first established back in 2005. For the second time this season, the MCG was plunged into darkness, with the crowd lighting up the stadium with torches on their phone. A smoke cleansing ceremony then took place on the hallowed turf, to prepare the ground for the contest. The highlight of the pre-match ceremony though, was the stirring war cry, performed by both clubs before the first bounce. 16 young indigenous dancers with links to Richmond's Korin Gamadji institute united on the ground to represent the Tigers in a display of respect and strength. Armed with spears, the Bombers' war cry showed strength and unity, with its origins from the Tiwi Islands. Earlier on Saturday afternoon, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten joined AFL legend Michael Long at Federation square for the Long Walk, the pair taking time out from the campaign trail to make the journey through Birrarung Marr to the MCG along with thousands of fans.