Richmond's final quarter fight saw it get over the line against Essendon by nine points at the MCG on Saturday night.

Goals were at a premium in the low-scoring affair, with the 34-27 scoreline at the last change reflective of the dour struggle up to three-quarter time.

But the Tigers, who only kicked three goals across the first three quarters, managed three majors in the final term to pip their opponents and register the 6.10 (46) to 4.13 (37) victory.

Twelve straight behinds between quarter-time and the 20-minute mark of the third quarter were kicked before Bomber Archer May finally converted after a 53-minute goal drought. 

But it was the Bombers' final goal of the evening, with the Tigers kicking three in the last quarter to record their fourth win of the season.

RICHMOND    3.4    3.5    3.9    6.10 (46)
ESSENDON     3.0    3.6    4.10    4.13 (37)

GOALS
Richmond: Banks, Faull, Hopper, Hotton, Short, Taranto
Essendon: Caddy, Durham, May, Tsatas

BEST
Richmond: Taranto, Vlastuin, Short, Brown, Hopper
Essendon: Roberts, Duursma, Merrett, Ridley, Durham

INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Essendon: Martin (knee), Setterfield (foot)

SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: James Trezise (replaced Tyler Sonsie at three-quarter time)
Essendon: Zak Johnson (replaced Nic Martin in the first quarter)

Crowd: 52,125 at the MCG