HEAD TO HEAD:

Played: 197

Essendon: 104

Richmond: 89

Draw: 4

PAST FIVE TIMES:

R22, 2015, Richmond 10.14 (74) d Essendon 7.5 (47) at the MCG

R9, 2015, Richmond 10.12 (72) d Essendon 8.11 (59) at the MCG

R20, 2014, Richmond 14.11 (95) d Essendon 11.11 (77) at the MCG

R11, 2014, Essendon 15.14 (104) d Richmond 7.12 (54) at the MCG

R23, 2013, Richmond 15.14 (104) d Essendon 9.11 (65) at the MCG

LAST TIME WE MET:

On a wet night, Conor McKenna provided an early spark when he kicked an early goal in his first game.

The Bombers led at quarter time and were still in striking distance at the final change.

But Richmond took control in the last quarter to run out 27 point victors.

Brent Stanton, Dyson Heppell and Brendon Goddard were among the best for the Bombers, while Cale Hooker kicked three goals.

KEY PLAYERS:

Joe Daniher has provided glimpses throughout the season, but is yet to repeat his match-winning round two performance against Melbourne.

He'll have Alex Rance for company so kicking a bag against a quality defender will be a tough ask.  But if he can give his teammates a strong target in the forward half and at least bring the ball to ground, that may be enough to open the door for another player to bob up with a handful of goals.

Michael Hartley will have another big challenge lining up on Jack Riewoldt, while David Zaharakis will need to continue his strong form in the middle of the ground.