Nathan Brown's three final-quarter goals have led Richmond to a narrow four-point victory over Essendon in an exciting tussle at the MCG on Saturday.
With Terry Wallace in the coaches' box after a health scare during the week, the Tigers kept in touch with the top eight and all but ended the Bombers' finals hopes with a 16.12 (108) to 15.14 (104) win.
Like so often in the past, however, Richmond gave its multitude of fans some anxious moments when it blew a 29-point buffer late in the second term to see its lead evaporate by three-quarter time.
The Bombers booted six straight goals to wipe out the deficit and grab the lead midway through the third term.
The turnaround was even more stunning given Essendon had just one fit player on the bench for most of the second half, with Andrew Welsh concussion), Angus Monfries (ankle) and Jay Neagle (ankle) all sitting on the pine.
Speedster Leroy Jetta provided the spark in the third quarter, while Scott Lucas added some poise and a touch of magic soon after when he put in his nomination for goal of the year with an amazing kick out of mid-air that sailed through the middle.
Panic set in as the Tigers seemed devoid of ideas before Cleve Hughes booted a goal with his first kick of the afternoon to cut the Bombers' lead to four points at the final change.
Matthew Lloyd goaled to open the last quarter before Brown stepped up with three majors - including a brilliant snap from near the boundary - to maintain his team's recent hold over the Bombers.
Jason Laycock and Brent Stanton both had chances to put Essendon back in front with minutes to play but their set shots both missed.
Laycock had a shocking day in front of goals, missing a couple of easy chances and finished with 1.4.
The Tigers have now won six of the past seven matches between the sides, with this victory just the second time since 1975-76 they have beaten Essendon in three consecutive matches.
Brown's contribution all day was telling in the wash-up as he notched up 26 possessions and 11 marks, while Nathan Foley also starred with 31 touches.
Jobe Watson won a staggering 10 centre clearances to give his side first use out of the middle but the Essendon forwards were unable to capitalise on his good work. Stanton finished with 27 disposals and Damien Peverill 24, while Lucas kicked three goals in another fine return.
Richmond youngsters Mitch Morton (four goals) and Brett Deledio (three) set up a four-goal lead at half-time but the Tigers were unable to maintain their dominance through the second half.
Both sides made late changes to their teams with Will Thursfield coming in for Daniel Connors for the Tigers and forgotten Essendon defender Mal Michael replacing veteran full-back Dustin Fletcher.
RICHMOND: 5.2, 11.5, 12.9, 16.12 (108)
ESSENDON: 3.2, 7.5, 13.7, 15.14 (104)
GOALS: Richmond: Morton 4, Deledio 3, Brown 3, Simmonds 2, Johnson, Bowden, Tambling, Hughes
Essendon: Lucas 3, Stanton 2, Jetta 2, Lloyd 2, Hille, Atkinson, Lonergan, Reimers, Slattery, Laycock
BEST: Richmond: Brown, Tuck, Morton, Foley, McMahon, Deledio, Johnson
Essendon: Watson, Stanton, Peverill, Lucas, Reimers, Dyson
INJURIES: Richmond: Nil
Essendon: Welsh (concussion), Monfries (ankle), Neagle (ankle)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Connors replaced in Richmond's selected side by Thursfield; Fletcher replaced in Essendon's selected side by Michael
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Ryan, Head
CROWD: 56,746 at the MCG
Sportal AFL Player of the Year
3. Nathan Brown (Richmond)
2. Jobe Watson (Essendon)
1. Nathan Foley (Richmond)