For the last few years beating Essendon is what Richmond supporters dream of. It was fitting for that reason that this game was for the inaugural Dreamtime Cup, a way of acknowledging the contribution made to the game by indigenous players. It's a great idea and hopefully it will become a regular thing between the two clubs and give the games genuine blockbuster status. It may be embarassing in the future if one or both clubs have no indigenous players on their list, though.

The game started in wintry conditions and with changes to both sides. Essendon had lost regular ruckman David Hille to suspension and Richmond's number 1 ruckman Greg Stafford was also cooling his heels courtesy of a tribunal enforced break. Tigers skipper Kane Johnson did not recover from a minor knee injury incurred against the Swans and his place was taken by emerging youngster Andrew Raines. Trent Knobel returned from injury for Stafford. Past indigenous players from both sides represented their people. The great Maurice Rioli for Richmond, despite the fact that his nephew Dean plays for Essendon and for the Bombers Michael Long.

The Dons had the first major of the day, but the rest of the quarter was Richmond. Both Bowden and Andy Kellaway copped heavy knocks in the first time. Kellaway wound up in hospital with a broken jaw. What gave Richmond the 19 point lead at the first change was the most effective forward on the ground; Matthew Richardson, when he wasn't kicking the goals he was setting up team mates.

In the 2nd term the Bombers again kicked the first goal, unanswered majors to the Tigers gave them a useful 35 point buffer. It was the old fim of Bowden,Campbell and Richardson who had set up a solid platform. Then Matthew Lloyd stepped up for the Dons and kicked 2 goals late in the quarter and his side was only 22 points down.

2 more goals to the Essendon spearhead at the beginning of the 3rd quarter and they were only 10 points adrift, however Richmond weren't done yet and they kicked the next 5 to have a 35 point lead coming home.

Again the Tigers faded badly in the last quarter and although they enjoyed a 26 point win Richmond could only manage one goal for the term and really should have won by a lot more.

Player review:

1. Rory Hilton, he's getting a little better with each outing, had 2 goals, laid a few tackles and put his body on the line when it counted.

2. Darren Gaspar, although Lloyd did kick 4 the Richmond defence were well on top for the game and Gaspar is the backline general.

3. Brett Deledio, a nice cameo of a game with 2 goals. You'd really notice him if he weren't there.

4. Andrew Raines, didn't get a lot of minutes, but he's all class when he does get the ball.

5. Troy Simmonds, one of his best games. Did well around the ground when Knobel took the centre hitouts and continued Richmond's ruck dominance when Knobel was rested.

6. Mark Chaffey, another good tagging performance, this time on one of the all time greats in James Hird.

9. Wayne Campbell, best on ground. Linked beautifully with his old team mates and kicked 2 goals.

11. Joel Bowden, another polished performance. Picked up possessions at will as he drifted between defence and attack.

12. Matthew Richardson, this was vintage Richo. 2 goals, numerous assists, strong marks and even one miss from within 10 metres. He may frustrate, but he always entertains.

13. Trent Knobel, still recovering from the flu, this restricted his time, but not his ruckwork and he gave the inexperienced Bomber division a lesson.

15. Kayne Pettifer, started in defence, then drifted forward, laid tackles and kicked a long goal when it was needed after the Dons had mounted a fightback.

20. Ray Hall, adds hardness to the backline and played on two genuine hard nuts in Solomon and Lucas.

21. Shane Tuck, another superb tough performance in the middle and snagged 2 goals.

24. Mark Coughlan, along with Tuck they are forming the nucelus of a formidable midfield. Set up a lot of inside 50's.

27. Andrew Krakouer, backed up from last week, not as prominent, but continued to do the on percenters.

30. Richard Tambling, continues to impress, loves to be around the ball and can kick goals from well outside as well as close in.

31. Chris Hyde, still finding his way after the head injury, but this game was a step in the right direction.

32. Greg Tivendale, only given limited time on the ground, I guess he makes less mistakes that way, but I still don't see what about him is keeping a younger player out.

34. Mark Graham, picked up the slack when Andy Kellaway went off. Completely blanketed first gamer Courtney Johns and was very solid in defence.

35. Chris Newman, much quieter than last week, but he's just an old fashioned defender in the Merv keane mould.

36. Will Thursfield, also quieter than last wee, but has a cool head and he's tough. Like to see him become a regular fixture in the backline

39. Andrew Kellaway, got crunched early in the first term and took no further part in the game, wound up in hospital with a broken jaw.