Round 11 – Richmond v Essendon: Dreamtime a nightmare

 

Round 11
Richmond v Essendon
Friday 22 May 2026
MCG

 

Bombers hit rockbottom.

 

What a night of carnage for the Bombers!

 

Not only did they lose the match many thought they should win but they also suffered four injuries that impacted on Essendon’s performance in the match. 

 

Firstly, Durham with concussion very early in the first quarter, Guelfi with a hamstring also early in the first quarter, McGrath a broken jaw, and Caldwell on one leg remained on the ground to provide an interchange option for very tired players. Late in the game it appears Archer May may have broken his ribs and struggled to remain in the game at a critical time. Eventually, not enough players on the chessboard to move around! 

 

It will be a completely different team that flies out to Perth next week.

 

It was a battle between the two bottom sides each struggling to make something out of the remainder of their season, and it was Richmond that wanted to win the game. More often than not too many Essendon players left it to their team mates, expecting them to do the heavy lifting while they cruised along waiting for the ball to be delivered to them on a plate rather than making any real determined effort to make the play themselves.

. 

The Bombers probably had three of the four dominant players on the ground in Merrett, Parish, and Roberts but it was not enough, we simply did not have any all-round consistency for the entire match, only flashes now and then.

 

Richmond goals came easily in many instances while Essendon had to really battle for theirs. The Tiger backs defended stoicily and were able to move the ball out of their defensive zone with relative ease most of the time. This is an area Essendon has struggled with and probably the reason Guelfi was included in the side, to provide a defensive player to add more pressure  on opposition backs to maintain the ball on the forward line but unfortunately he was injured and left the ground before obtaining any possessions.

 

I thought McKay played his best game with his inclusion after time in the VFL, Perkins started well and played his heart out for most of the game while Robey again showed he is indeed a talent. Archer May continued his good form as he gains increasing confidence in his ability and it is unfortunate he appears to have broken ribs and will miss a few weeks. Nick Bryan continues to make progress after a long stint on the sidelines.

 

It was a hard game to watch.

 

I really do not know where the Bombers go from here, I’d imagine many supporters will be howling for blood, especially Brad Scott’s.

 

 

RICHMOND         4.5     7.7     8.10     10.14 (74)
ESSENDON          2.2     5.4     6.10      7.14 (56)

 

GOALS
Richmond: Lynch 2, Green 2, Short, Ross, Roberts-Thomson, Lefau, Faull, Cumming
Essendon: May 3, Caddy 2, Merrett, Caldwell

 

BEST
Richmond: Taranto, Retschko, Ross, Campbell, Short, Miller
Essendon: Parish, May, Roberts, Langford, Robey, Merrett

 

INJURIES
Richmond: Faull (concussion), Lynch (larynx)
Essendon: Durham (concussion), McGrath (broken jaw), Guelfi (hamstring), May (ribs), Caldwell (ankle)

 

Crowd: 78,815 at the MCG

 

My Votes:

 

3. Darcy Parish

2. Zach Merrett

1.Tim Taranto

 

 

Round 11 Match reports can be read HERE

 

 

More from Col Ritchie can be read Here

 

 

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More from Col Ritchie can be read Here

 

 

To return to the www.footyalmanac.com.auhome page clickHERE

 

Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?
And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help keep things ticking over please consider making your own contribution.

 

Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE