Loss to Richmond the tip of the iceberg for Essendon's woes as serious knee injury feared for star Nic Martin
Updated . First published at
Richmond has handed another crippling blow to Essendon's struggles this season, winning a frustrating low-scoring battle at the MCG.
The Tigers, who at one point didn't kick a goal for over an hour, managed three in the final term to claim the 6.10. (46) to 4.13. (37) victory.
The win is Richmond's fourth of the season and while they still sit 17th on the ladder, they continue to generally outperform expectations in 2025.
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Nic Martin joins Essendon's lengthy injury list. Getty
Essendon meanwhile has seen a promising start to the year completely fizzle out, in part due to the glut of injuries they have dealt with, but their issues clearly go deeper that that.
The Dons only kicked one goal in the second half to go with seven behinds.
Richmond midfielder Tim Taranto led the way with 34 disposals and a crucial fourth quarter goal, while Dons skipper Zach Merrett and youngster Archie Roberts both had 31.
Essendon subbed star Nick Martin out early in their clash with Richmond due to a knee injury.
The star runner was shoved over the boundary line by Tiger Rhyan Mansell, with Martin's knee making heavy contact with the fake turf before rolling into the perimeter fencing.
He limped from the field immediately, as teammate Sam Durham got into it with Mansell over the shove.
Coach Brad Scott confirmed post game that the injury is like a torn ACL, but will be confirmed during the week.
Martin had possession of the footy and was still in play when he was pushed, likely meaning there won't be any MRO trouble for the Richmond forward.
The injury is a cruel blow for Essendon, adding salt to the wound of the defeat.
The Dons have been battered by long term injuries this season, with Martin one of the few who has played all 15 games.
The only Bombers who have featured in every game this year are Zach Merrett, Archie Roberts, Andrew McGrath, Xavier Duursma, Jaxon Prior, Nate Caddy, Isaac Kako and Martin.
The 24-year-old has averaged 25.6 disposals per game so far this season.
He was spotted on crutches in the room during the half time break, sporting an enormous ice pack on the knee.
The injury woes continued in the second half, with midfielder Will Setterfield icing his foot in the fourth term.
For the Tigers, they got the chance to sing the song and celebrate in three-time premiership defender Nick Vlastuin's 250th game.
