Round 15, 1995 - Richmond vs Essendon

Arch-rivals Richmond and Essendon have played off in an all-time thriller, so much so that they were unable to be split at the final siren.

The game was tight at every break, but was ultimately tied late when Essendon tall Ryan O'Connor kicked an easy goal from the top of the square to tie it all up at 15.11 (101) apiece.

Stuart Maxfield celebrates after kicking what he had hoped was the sealer.

In what was at times a fiery clash where emotions boiled over at a few different stages, both teams to their credit continued to play hard, yet skillful footy in what was a fitting Friday night clash at the MCG.

Gavin Wanganeen came under fire for remonstrating with Michael Gale during the third term, which sparked a melee that almost worked its way into the crowd, and from there the sparks flew for the remainder of the match. Wanganeen was visibly frustrated throughout the game due to a hard tag posed on him by Chris Bond, and was kept to just eight disposals.

In what was a relatively high-scoring game until three-quarter time, the goals dried up in the last with just two kicked each, with a long bomb, on the run goal from outside 50 by Stuart Maxfield bringing the house down to put the Tigers in front, soon to be responded with the aforementioned O'Connor's goal.

The Tigers went into the clash without star full-back Scott turner, after he was suspended for three weeks for striking Brett Ratten, Matthew Knights also missed through injury, but Nick Daffy returned from his two-game suspension.

Because of their injury list, Richmond went in underdogs despite their positioning on the ladder, and early days it looked like bookies had it right with Essendon booting the first four goals of the game in the opening 13 minutes.

The Tigers started to fight their way back into the contest after that though, sparked by a magnificent run-down tackle by Duncan Kellaway on Wanganeen to pull within five points at the first change.

The Bombers extended their lead by another goal at the main break, before Richmond closed it to two at the final change.

The final term was tense, but Richmond would have to do most of it without Michael Gale, who broke his collarbone in a marking contest and was then taken from the ground.

When Chris Bond flew in to spoil the ball, get it back, find Maxfield who slotted the goal, the Tiger Army were in raptures with not long to go, but some loose checking out the back of a contest sealed the Tigers fate, and they'd have to walk away with two points instead of four, with the disappointed look on the players faces, telling the whole story.

Young key forward Stephen Jurica was again a force, kicking five goals (including four in the first half) to add to the four he kicked against Carlton and Stephen Silvagni the week prior. His contested marking and bullocking work was a particular highlight, as he looked every bit the star despite only being 19 years of age.

His partner in crime Brendan Gale was equally as excellent, with 19 disposals, 10 marks and three goals to cap off an all round delightful aerial display.

Duncan Kellaway was at his gritty best and stood up particularly in the third term, dropping back to nullify quite a few Essendon attacks which then helped slingshot Richmond into attack.

Paul Broderick was a key catalyst for the Tigers in the final quarter, and also Richmond's most prolific midfielder, finishing with 26 disposals, a couple of key goals, and five tackles.

For the Bombers, James Hird was far and away the best on ground, easily getting the better of his direct opponent Ashley Prescott with a particularly dominant display of aerial marking. He finished with five goals, 23 disposals and 13 marks.

Unfortunately Richmond's injury list would grow, not only with the aforementioned Gale injury, but it was revealed that Stuart Maxfield had a broken jaw following the game also, and would miss some time.

Other interesting tidbits? A young Damien Hardwick in just his 25th game was playing against the side he would won day go on to coach to three flags, while an 18-year old Jason Torney was also making his AFL debut for the Tigers.

It would also be Jamie Elliott's last game for the club. His career at Richmond spanned 9 games across two seasons. He then went on to play with St. Kilda in 1996.

Stats for the game courtesy of AFL Tables

A Fighting Fury player ratings - click here for explanation

Stephen Jurica	11
Brendon Gale	9
Wayne Campbell	8
Paul Broderick	8
Duncan Kellaway	7
Michael Gale	7
Stuart Maxfield	6
Chris Bond	5
Justin Charles	5
Nick Daffy	4
Chris Naish	4
Jamie Tape	4
Matthew Rogers	4
Mark Neeld	4
Paul Bulluss	4
Nathan Bower	4
Greg Dear	3
Matthew Dundas	3
Jason Torney	2
Ashley Prescott	1
Jamie Elliott	0