Richmond has strengthened its chances of a home final after securing a 27-point win over Essendon at the MCG in Round 22.
The Tigers secured their 14th win of the season, easing away after half time in greasy conditions, on a cold and wet night in Melbourne.
The game was played in front of 37,864 fans – the lowest crowd between the two teams since Round 11, 1994.
Brett Deledio was one of the best afield, picking up 22 disposals and kicking two goals – the fourth-straight game he has recorded multiple goals.
In his 100th goal, Ty Vickery kicked two goals, while Cale Hooker kicked three as the most productive forward for the Bombers.

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Wingman Kamdyn McIntosh played one of his best games in a fantastic debut season so far, winning a team-high 27 disposals, and recording seven inside 50s.
Ben Lennon also continues to grow in his half-forward role.  The youngster took a game-high nine marks, to go with 16 disposals, and continually provided a target up the field.
Richmond’s midfield brigade was strong again, with Brandon Ellis (24 possessions), Anthony Miles (23 and five tackles) and Shane Edwards (21 and eight tackles) prolific.
While Richmond’s lead was created in the second half, it could have created a sizeable lead by half time, on the back of nine more scoring shots and 15 more inside 50s.
The Tigers had established a two-goal buffer midway through the second term, with Vickery booting two goals in quick succession as his team strung together six-straight scoring shots.
Just as Richmond looked in control, Essendon sprung to life with three straight goals to hit the lead.
Vickery was pivotal in the steadying goal from the Tigers, hitting Deledio on the lead, who converted the set shot.
McIntosh showed off his soccer skills to tee up Martin for his first goal, early in the last quarter, dribbling the ball down the wing before side-footing it to the Richmond midfielder, who snapped truly.
Matt Thomas followed with a dribbler from the pocket, helping the Tigers set up a 16-point lead at the final change.
Richmond kicked three goals to four in the last term, with Edwards finishing proceedings with a set shot from 40 metres out.

FINAL SCORES
Richmond            1.4          4.10        7.12        10.14.74
Essendon            2.0          5.0          6.2          7.5.47
GOALS
Richmond:  Vickery 2, Deledio 2, Maric, Martin, Thomas, Grigg, Miles, Edwards
Essendon:  Hooker 3, McKenna, McKernan, Howlett, Dempsey
BEST 
Essendon: Heppell, Hurley, Hooker, McKernan, Stanton, O'Brien
Richmond: McIntosh, Lennon, Thomas, Deledio, Houli