DUSTIN Martin's Brownlow charge gathered more momentum on Saturday, with the Richmond star gathering a career-high 43 possessions in the Tigers' 19-point win over Essendon at the MCG.

The win came at a cost, however, with Brett Deledio suffering a calf injury and missed the majority of the second half.

Richmond took until the final eight minutes to shake the plucky Bombers, before winning 16.6 (102) to 11.17 (83).  

And in another performance certain to earn him three votes, it was Martin who stood above every player on the ground, converting a brilliant set shot from 45m next to the boundary to seal the win.

The 25-year-old, wearing a black armband for his cousin who recently passed away, also set a career high with 14 clearances, finishing with six inside 50s, six marks, 22 contested possessions, four tackles and two goals.    

Richmond led by just one point halfway through the final quarter after Bombers forward Joe Daniher kicked his second goal and capitalised on an extended period of momentum for the visitors.

It took young Tiger Daniel Rioli to stand up in a big moment, converting a set shot from 48m to take back control, with Shaun Grigg matching that effort two minutes later to stretch the lead to 13.

As well as Martin, the Tigers were led brilliantly by captain Trent Cotchin (35 possessions and six clearances), while Ben Griffiths and Sam Lloyd kicked three goals each. 

Bombers midfielder Zach Merrett just trailed Martin for best-on-ground honours with 34 possessions, 10 tackles and six clearances, while defender Patrick Ambrose kept Jack Riewoldt goalless. 

The Bombers raced to a 19-point lead on the back of two goals to Orazio Fantasia, but they couldn't maintain the frenetic energy levels and were dragged back to level pegging at quarter-time as the Tigers found their feet.

Once rolling, Richmond's highlights included a goal-of-the-year contender from Lloyd, who instinctively placed the ball on his right boot in the pocket after taking possession, guiding through a magnificent dribble goal.

At the start of the second quarter impressive Tigers youngster Oleg Markov kicked the first goal in what is shaping as a promising career, showcasing his skill and speed to convert on the run.

But as has been the case for much of 2016, it was the Tigers' best players driving the team, with Martin, Cotchin and Deledio combining for 63 first-half possessions, 13 clearances and 10 inside 50s.

Martin and Cotchin kicked on in the second half, but Deledio spent the rest of the game on the bench with ice on his right calf.

RICHMOND          3.3   7.3    11.5   16.6   (102)                  
ESSENDON          3.3   5.7    8.11   11.17   (83)           

GOALS
Richmond: Lloyd 3, Griffiths 3, Grigg 2, Martin 2, Rioli, Miles, Menadue, Markov, Hunt, Hampson
Essendon: Fantasia 3, Laverde 2, Daniher 2, McKernan, Hams, Kelly, Merrett 

BEST 
Richmond: Martin, Cotchin, Griffiths, Grigg, Lloyd, Castagna
Essendon: Merrett, Fantasia, Ambrose, Kelly, Parish, Gleeson 

INJURIES 
Richmond: Deledio (calf)
Essendon: Gwilt (knee)

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Foot, Fisher, Hosking

Official crowd: 44,908 at the MCG