THE DREAMTIME clash between Essendon and Richmond is a strong chance to draw the highest crowd of the season so far after the MCC announced that the game is now a full-ticketed event.

In a notice on its website, which was also posted on Twitter, the MCC said: "There will be NO general admission areas for this match. Patrons wishing to attend must purchase a reserved seat in advance."

The biggest crowd recorded so far this season occurred on Anzac Day when 86,932 witnessed Collingwood's narrow win over Essendon.

But with the Bombers riding high in second place on the ladder, and the Tigers fresh from an impressive victory over the Sydney Swans, there won't be many spare seats at the 'G when they renew their rivalry.

"It's another massive game," Essendon forward Leroy Jetta said on Thursday afternoon.

"There'll be 85 or maybe 90,000 people there, so it's a bit like a game against Collingwood. I can't wait."

Richmond is desperate to claim another top-eight scalp and push its own claims for a long-awaited berth in the finals.

"Essendon's one of the best sides in the comp at the moment, and if we want to achieve a top-eight finish we have to beat sides likes Essendon," Richmond midfielder Shane Edwards said.

"They're a very fast team and use their foot-skills very well, so we'll have to be on our game and not let them take uncontested marks."

The Dreamtime game has drawn some huge crowds in recent years.

More than 83,000 attended the match last season, which the Tigers won by 16 points.

"The atmosphere - we can't get overawed," Edwards said. "I know last year we didn't.

"They say Richmond is the sleeping giant, so we've just got to make sure we bring the crowd alive."

HIGHEST CROWDS OF THE 2012 SEASON SO FAR
86,932: Collingwood v Essendon, round 5
84,259: Carlton v Collingwood, round 3
78,464: Hawthorn v Collingwood, round 1
78,285: Richmond v Carlton, round 1
73,172: Carlton v Essendon, round 4