The Essendon Bombers (7-2) will look to keep the positive vibes going when they take on the hapless Richmond Tigers (1-9) on Saturday night in the latest installment of Dreamtime at the MCG.
Richmond has had a terrible luck with injuries this season, with several key players going down, which has dropped them to a 1-9 record this season with an average losing margin of 47.4 points.
Adam Yze's troops picked up their worst defeat of the season last time out at the Gabba against the Lions, losing by 119 points directly after their yet another humiliating 91-point defeat to the Bulldogs the week prior.
Essendon, meanwhile, are riding the crest of the wave and have enjoyed a six-game unbeaten run to storm into second place on the standings behind the Sydney Swans, with only two losses for the campaign.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch Richmond vs Essendon in the AFL, plus plenty more.
Richmond vs Essendon date and start time
| Date | Saturday, May 25, 2024 |
| Start time | 7:40pm AEST/ 7:10pm ACST/ 5:40pm AWST |
| Venue | MCG |
| Location | Richmond VIC, Australia |
How to watch Richmond vs Essendon on TV & stream live online
There are several options to watch the Richmond Tigers vs Essendon Bombers AFL game in Australia, including Network Seven, Foxtel, Foxtel from Telstra, and Kayo Sports.
The best way to livestream the aforementioned AFL game is through Kayo with a seven-day free trial. It also does not have a lock-in contract or equipment fees, which means you can cancel anytime.
All you need to decide is whether to pick Kayo One at $25 per month (1 stream and up to HD), or Kayo Basic at $35 per month (2 streams and up to 4K).
What channel is the Richmond vs Essendon game on?
The game will be broadcast live on 7mate on free-to-air TV, and will also be available to watch via Fox Footy's subscription TV. Triple M, ABC and AFL Nation will provide the radio coverage.
Streaming the game with a VPN
- Overview of VPN services that allow access to geo-restricted streams
- How to set up and use a VPN service to stream the match
You can watch the game wherever you are in the world by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service such as NordVPN/ ExpressVPN. A VPN will allow you to create a secure connection online when you are abroad on holiday or for work and you want to stream the game live.
If you are unsure which VPN to use or how to use a VPN, we have looked at the best options available for watching live sports - check out the best VPN services review here.
Here’s an easy step-by-step guide on how to use a VPN to watch a game when you are overseas:
- Install VPN of your choice - see our reviews here for the best options.
- Select the location you wish to connect to. This is easy - if you are visiting the UK and you wish to continue watching one of your U.S. streaming services, you would select the US.
- Grab the popcorn and get ready to watch!
Richmond Tigers team news
Richmond arguably have the worst injury list in the AFL at the moment, but several players could be back this or next week. Liam Baker, Sam Banks, Jacob Bauer, Seth Campbell and James Tresize could all be in the mix for selection if they make it through training in good nick.
Jack Graham, Jacob Hopper, Rhyan Mansell and Tim Taranto could see minutes as early as next week.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Rucks | Naismith, Nankervis, Samson Ryan, Colina, Miller, Hayes-Brown |
| Defenders | Vlastuin, Grimes, Baker, Ralphsmith, Short, Rioli (Daniel), Givcus, Brown, Mansell, Broad, Trezise, Banks, Smith, Miller, Hayes-Brown, K. Smith |
| Midfielders | Prestia, Ross, Taranto, Hopper, Dow, McAuliffe, Bolton, McIntosh, Graham, Pickett, Green, Campbell, Pickett |
| Forwards | Lynch, Koschitzke, Fawcett, Sonsie, Bauer, Martin, Rioli (Maurice), Clarke, Coulthard, Cumberland, Lefau |
Essendon Bombers team news
Darcy Parish will miss the next couple of week with a calf issue, which is likely to keep him sidelined until Round 14. Harry Jones is suspended and will miss the Richmond clash this weekend, while Sam Durham (ankle) will need to prove his fitness to be up for selection.
Brad Scott's side will also welcome back versatile defender Jordan Ridley, who will make his season debut. Talented draftee Nate Caddy is also set to make his long-anticipated debut, replacing the controversially suspended Harrison Jones.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Rucks | Draper, Goldstein, Bryan, Visentini |
| Defenders | Ridley, Laverde, Hayes, Baldwin, Reid, McKay, McGrath, Hind, Heppell, Durham, Redman, Kelly, Lual, Davey Jnr, Roberts |
| Midfielders | Parish, Tsatas, Caldwell, Merrett, Hobbs, Shiel, Cox, Setterfield, Wright, Duursma, Martin |
| Forwards | Langford, Weideman, Perkins, Jones, Baldwin, Caddy, Reid, McKay, Hunter, Gresham, Stringer, Davey, Wanganeen, Menzie |
Head-to-Head
| Date | Match | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 5/20/23 | Essendon Bombers 71-70 Richmond Tigers | AFL |
| 8/20/22 | Essendon Bombers 141-75 Richmond Tigers | AFL |
| 5/21/22 | Richmond Tigers 80-48 Essendon Bombers | AFL |
| 6/5/21 | Essendon Bombers 123-84 Richmond Tigers | AFL |
| 8/22/20 | Essendon Bombers 73-61 Richmond Tigers | AFL |