Tigers do it tough at the MCG

Richmond Tigers   vs   Essendon Bombers

Team	Goal	Point	Skor
Richmond Tigers	11	15	81
Essendon Bombers	10	6	66

GOLLER

Richmond: Riewoldt 2, Edwards 2, Caddy 2, Lloyd, Elton, Martin, Ellis, Nankervis

 Essendon: Daniher 3, Goddard 2, Fantasia, Heppell, Green, Stewart, Zaharakis

Richmond have held on in another heart stopper at the MCG to beat Essendon by 15 points.

With a massive crowd of 85,656 Richmond have beaten the Essendon Bombers in an intense battle at the Home of Football, the MCG.

In what was a blow to blow encounter in which the Bombers were winning, the Tigers have put some ease into the hearts of the Tiger Faithful.

It looked all too familiar for the Tigers fans who came to watch the game, with the Tigers spraying many chances to hit the lead throughout the game.

In a dominant performance by the tigers, the forward 50 entry differential was in favour of the Tigers. But having to settle for one point from easy shots kept Tiger fans on edge.

Essendon looked dangerous in patches, kicking the first three goals of the game, but from there on, it was the Tigers. Richmond dominated general play and forward 50 entry, 71 to Essendons 42.

Forward 50 pressure was immense in the last quarter in which the tigers entered freely, but were unable to convert into goals.

They hit the lead, and following further pressure in the forward line, the winner came off the boot of Tigers big man Toby Nankervis, who slot the goal on the run from 50 out.

It was a game that could have ended in controversy had it been less than a goal in it.

Richmond player Jayden Short was penalised for deliberately rushing the ball behind after being chased down by Essendon goal sneak Josh Green.

It resulted in a goal for Essendon, which left the crowd buzzing following the controversial decision.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick was fairly calm and reserved in the post match press conference, in which he talked about the game they won “It was a good reward for our players and fans who have been through a hard patch”

Essendon Coach John Worsfold commented on the one sided game “We didn’t do too well when you look at the numbers, but I think we defended well”

In the end, the Tigers came away with the 4 points after losing the last 4 games. The Tigers look to face North Melbourne Kangaroos next week at the Etihad Stadium in what looks to be an exciting game.

Essendon travel to Western Sydney to face premiership contenders GWS.

 YAS