A massive crowd of 80,900 packed into the MCG to watch the eighth annual Dreamtime game, which is the highlight of the AFL's indigenous-themed round.

After blowing a 42-point lead, the Bombers kicked the last three goals of the game to win 19.13 (127) to 15.19 (109).

Essendon's win-loss ratio now stands at 7-1 while for the Tigers (3-5) this was one that got away.

Patrick Ryder kicked four goals for the Bombers while midfielder Jobe Watson was prominent.

Richmond sent half-back Brett Deledio into a midfield role and he was awarded the medal for best-afield after gathering a game-high 35 possessions, 10 tackles and seven inside-50s.

Trent Cotchin and Shane Edwards booted three goals each for the Tigers and onballer Shaun Grigg was another strong contributor.

Cale Hooker held Richmond full-forward Jack Riewoldt to one goal while at the other end Essendon's key forward Michael Hurley failed to score a goal but played a creative role at half-forward in his first game back from a hamstring injury.

Essendon had booted six goals in the opening term including three to Ryder and six more in the second quarter to hold a 35-point advantage at half-time, 12.7 (79) to 6.8 (44).

Richmond defender Dylan Grimes suffered a hamstring injury and was substituted off in the second term for Brandon Ellis.

Ryder's fourth goal early in the second half gave Essendon a 42-point advantage before Richmond gained some momentum with a 5.8 third term to Essendon's 4.2 on the back of a 19-9 advantage in the inside-50 entries in the third quarter.

Essendon also had to reshuffle its defence as Dustin Fletcher was troubled by a groin injury and was substituted off for Nathan Lovett-Murray.

The Tigers' surge came through an improved performance in midfield, although a goal to Ben Howlett in the last minute of the term gave the Bombers a 23-point break at three-quarter time.

Richmond scored the first four goals of the final term to snatch the lead in the 12th minute.

But two quick goals to Lovett-Murray and Angus Monfries put the Bombers ahead by 10 points and Alwyn Davey booted his second to seal the result for the Bombers.

The Tigers dominated the inside-50 count 66-48 and had more scoring shots but suffered through several near misses in the final term.

Essendon play Greater Western Sydney in Blacktown next Saturday. Richmond face Hawthorn at the MCG next Saturday.