Tigers v Bombers - snippets

STAR MAN: Nathan Brown was a shining light for Richmond all day with 26 possessions, 11 marks and three goals in a best-on-ground performance.

TURNING POINT: Brett Deledio put his team out by 29 points late in the second quarter after marking in front of Nathan Lovett-Murray and the Tigers still held a 24-point break at half-time. Whatever coach Matthew Knights said to his team at the main break must have worked as the Bombers slammed on six straight goals to take the lead. When Matthew Lloyd goaled early in the last, Essendon was up by 11 points and looking the goods. But three of the next four goals - two of them to Nathan Brown - saw the Tigers home in a thriller.

ABSOLUTE SHOCKER: Two golden opportunities to put goals on the board went begging for the Bombers early in the match - both to speedster Leroy Jetta. Twice the Essendon No.7 left his Richmond opponents in his wake, only to come unstuck as he approached goal. The first time, clear by 15m, he spotted an unguarded Scott Lucas in the goal square, handballed over the top and watched on as Lucas spilled the ball through for a behind. The second time, again with a clear path to goal, Jetta decided to baulk around two Tigers before slipping over and getting pinged for holding the ball.

WHAT A GOAL! Scott Lucas put in a genuine contender for goal of the year during the third quarter when, running towards the left forward pocket, he hacked the ball out of mid-air from 30m out on a 45-degree angle and watched it sail straight through the middle.

CLASSIC GRAB: Brett Deledio showed his has skill in the air as well as on the ground when he took a well-judged mark running full tilt into a mass of players. He calmly went back and slotted the goal from 35m out.

UNSUNG HERO: Essendon's Jobe Watson dominated in the centre square, winning 10 clearances and racking up 25 touches to give his side a massive advantage going forward. Unfortunately for his team, it wasn't able to capitalise on his fine work.