The Dons rattled up seven goals without reply in a 15-minute period in the first quarter.
Richmond quickly struck back with four straight goals but the damage was done and Essendon eased to the win, 19.16 (130) to 14.11 (95).
The Tigers were backing up from their most impressive performance of the year in a three-point defeat to Hawthorn last Sunday, and were unsettled in the opening term.
To the side's credit, they were competitive thereafter and - although never threatening an unlikely comeback - at least managed the consolation of matching Essendon on the scoreboard for the remainder of the night.
Jack Riewoldt equalled his career-best haul with six goals for the match. Shane Tuck had a game-high 30 touches and Trent Cotchin had 19 contested possessions.
Essendon 7.1 10.6 14.13 19.16 (130)
Richmond 2.4 5.7 8.8 14.11 (95)
GOALS
Essendon: Hille 3, Jetta 2, Ryder 2, Zaharakis 2, Davey, Gumbleton, Howlett, Hurley, McVeigh, Lonergan, Melksham, Monfries, Myers, Stanton
Richmond: Riewoldt 6, Rance 2, Astbury, Edwards, Martin, Nahas, Nason, Tuck
BEST
Essendon: Hille, Prismall, Watson, Jetta, Ryder, Winderlich, Howlett, Myers
Richmond: Riewoldt, Cotchin, Tuck, Martin, Deledio, Graham
Injuries: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Rosebury, Stewart, Armstrong
Official crowd: 64,709 at MCG
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
