Overview

• Essendon prevailed 6.7 (43) to 3.10 (28) after Richmond dominated early in the final term but squandered multiple chances to hit the front.
• Alexander finished calmly before Gee added the clincher in the last six minutes, with Gee playing on after early ankle treatment.
• The midfield battle headlined the night as Georgia Nanscawen (27 disposals) and Maddy Prespakis (24) matched Richmond stars Mon Conti (29) and Ellie McKenzie (27).
• The Bombers won without suspended forward Bonnie Toogood, who is serving a two-game ban.
• Played as a Dreamtime fixture in Darwin, the match carried cultural significance, with Prespakis noting the heat demanded careful preparation.