A career-high six goals from Jack Riewoldt and a statement game by Ben Cousins have helped Richmond to an enthralling five–point win that's left Essendon's finals hopes hanging by a thread.
Desperate to atone for squandering a 43-point lead against North Melbourne a week earlier, the Tigers responded with just their fourth win of the season – and second under caretaker coach Jade Rawlings – at the MCG on Sunday.
Both teams had the opportunity to win in the final term but a game-saving mark deep in defence by Shane Edwards with 16 seconds remaining ensured the Tigers held on.
The Bombers had drilled the final three goals of the match, with Kyle Riemers' mark and conversion with just over a minute left on the clock giving his team hope of pinching victory.
The Tigers won the ensuing clearance and would have at least guaranteed themselves of a draw had Mitch Morton rushed the ball through for a point.
But his brain-fade allowed the Bombers to regain possession and pump the ball long before Edwards saved the day.
The Bombers had led by a goal 20 minutes into the third term but, on a day when momentum changed regularly, the Tigers took charge, drilling the final three goals of the quarter and the opening two of the last.
Riewoldt was superb all day at full-forward, while Cousins, who had five different opponents, clearly showed he wants to play on next year with 31 possessions.
Trent Cotchin (23 possessions) was also superb through the middle, while Brett Deledio (26) and Richard Tambling (20) provided plenty of run with Jayden Post (two goals, seven marks) pivotal up forward.
Bombers skipper Matthew Lloyd was held goal-less by Luke McGuane before limping from the field late in the third term with a leg injury.
Midfielder Brent Prismall strengthened his case for recruit-of-the-year honours, gathering 34 possessions, including eight inside-50s, but modest performances by Jobe Watson (22 touches) and Mark McVeigh (12) hurt.
This loss was arguably the Bombers' worst of the season, for they were expected to strengthen their hold on eighth-spot.
Instead, the defeat means the Bombers must win three of their final five matches, leaving the door ajar for Hawthorn and Port Adelaide to press for the finals.
The Tigers appeared to break the contest open in the second term when they drilled five-straight goals.
Tambling showcased the Tigers' confidence when he carried the ball from half-back to half-forward before chipping to Riewoldt, who converted his third goal.
When Deledio followed up with a roost from 50m, the Tigers had firm control. That grasp, however, was loosened on the cusp of half-time when the Bombers drilled two majors.
The Bombers carried that momentum into the third term when they drilled five of the opening six goals.
At one stage Essendon dominated the handball-receive count 42-12, highlighting just how much run they were generating.
But the pendulum again swung, this time the Tigers' way as they responded with the final three goals of the term. Riewoldt was instrumental in the comeback, easing through a shot on the run from 40m and converting a set shot from 40m after a ferocious tackle on Courtenay Dempsey.
ESSENDON 2.5, 5.6, 10.9, 14.12 (96)
RICHMOND3.2, 8.4, 12.9, 15.11 (101)
GOALS: Essendon Lucas 2, Lovett 2, Ryder 2, Riemers 2, McVeigh, Stanton, Winderlich, McPhee, Dyson, Dempsey.
Richmond:Riewoldt 6, Morton 2, Post 2, King, White, Brown, Deledio, Jackson.
BEST: Essendon: Fletcher, Prismall, Slattery, Ryder.
Richmond: Cousins, Riewoldt, Post, Cotchin, McGuane, Nahas.
INJURIES: Essendon: Lloyd (knee), McVeigh (corked thigh).
Richmond: Silvester (knee).
REPORTS: Nil.
CHANGES: Nil.
UMPIRES: Donlon, McBurney, Hendrie.
CROWD: 47,412 at the MCG.