Richmond will host Essendon on Saturday night at the MCG in Round 18 of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

MATCH DETAILS

Round 18
Richmond v Essendon
NAIDOC Week
Saturday, July 12
7:35pm (AEST), MCG

GATE TIMES

MCC Reserve: 5:00pm
AFL Reserve and Public: 5:30pm

Enhanced security measures are in place at the MCG. Please allow extra time to enter and ensure your bag meets the conditions of entry.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

This match will be broadcast on Fox Footy and Kayo live from 7:30pm, and the AFL website.

TICKETING

Members can simply scan in using their barcoded card, printed e-card or digital ticketing via the Richmond FC App.

GA members can upgrade to a reserved seat at a discounted rate by using their member barcode at Ticketek.

All ticketing information gets sent directly to members via email. To update or change an email address or view your membership barcode, please log in to your MyRichmond account.

GETTING TO THE GAME

Parking at the MCG or in Yarra Park

• For the most up-to-date parking information in Yarra Park, refer to the MCG website.
  Please note that the MCC have implemented a slight price increase to $15 as of Round 1, 2025.
• Yarra Park parking for disability permit holders can be pre-booked via Ticketek.
• Click here for alternative parking options close to the MCG.

Public Transport

We strongly encourage fans to take public transport to the game. For up-to-date information on your train line and upcoming disruptions, please visit https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/.

WHAT'S ON

OPEN TRAINING

Friday, July 11
Gates open: 10:00am
Training from 10:15am
Short signing session to follow training

Find out more about upcoming open trainings.

PREGAME

Kids Zone on the MCG Concourse

Swing by our Kids Zone in the Club Hub outside Gate 3 for Tiger Cub fun:

• Free face painting
• Appearances from our mascots Sash and Stripes

Open to everyone from 5:30pm until 7:30pm, we can’t wait to see you there!

Spin and Win with nib*

Visit the nib stand outside Gate 3 on the concourse at the MCG from 5:30pm and try your luck in their “Spin & Win” promotion. Download the nib App (or sign up for free if you’re not already an nib member), spin the wheel and win a prize!  It’s that easy!

*Eligibility and T&Cs apply. Visit the nib stand for more details.

MATCH DAY

Tiger Tally

Want to be in the running to win a match footy? Guess the final crowd attendance at our Round 18 match against West Coast, and the correct answer wins! The competition will close at the end of halftime. Keep an eye on the big screen for more details or guess the crowd now.

Jungle Beats

The sounds of Tigerland are back again in 2025 with Jungle Beats, powered by Milwaukee. Your DJ for this week is James Trezise!

¼ TIME

Want to test your on-field skills at the MCG in the nib Giant Footy Challenge?*
 
nib is giving two lucky footy fans the opportunity to showcase their sporting potential during the ¼ time break on the ‘G. Roll a nib Giant Footy to win a $250 Richmond Prize Pack at each Richmond home game*. Thanks to nib. Potentially amazing.
 
*Ends 24/08/25. Eligibility and Terms & Conditions apply.

¾ TIME

Catch the Colonel, presented by KFC. Make sure you’re in your seat at ¾ time to be part of the action and for your chance to win, thanks to KFC. How Finger Lickin’ Good!

FUNCTIONS AND EVENTS

Elevate your match day experience with access to a level 2 reserved seat and function room. Enjoy a relaxed day of footy with friends, family, and mates—complete with access to premium amenities at the MCG. Secure your tickets here.

MEMBERSHIP

Visit our Membership Team in Club Hub from 5:30pm until quarter time. Club Hub is located on the concourse, between gates 3 and 4 of the MCG - we can't wait to see you there.

If you’re not already a member of our Tiger Army, get your hands on a Final 4 Membership for just $119! The Final 4 Membership Includes:

• Access to our remaining 4 home games in 2025; Including a Level 1 reserved seat to Round 20 vs Collingwood 
• $50 credit to order your membership pack on Richmond Member Rewards 
• Access to 2025 member benefits and inclusion in our Reward & Recognition program

ROAR STORE

The Roar Store at the Swinburne Centre will be open from 10:00am on match day and remain open for the duration of the match and a short period post-game. Can’t make it in person? Shop online at the Roar Store.

WHAT ARE WE WEARING?

Richmond will be wearing the 2025 PUMA Home Guernsey and black shorts.

ACCESS & INCLUSION

The ‘G Train Mobility Shuttle Service

The service operates during public events held at the MCG and is accessible free of charge to patrons with mobility challenges. Find more information, including pickup locations here.

The MCG Multi-Faith Prayer Room is open to all patrons.

Located on Level B1 of the Shane Warne Stand (at approximately M13), the room is able to cater for more than 50 patrons at one time and is suitable for patrons of all faiths, including Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu.

A sensory-friendly space, presented by the MCC Foundation.

Now open throughout all MCG events. It is located within the Australian Sports Museum on Level 1 (inside Gate 3, behind bay M51).
For more information regarding access and inclusion, please refer to the MCG website.

THE MCG, HOME OF THE TIGER ARMY

At the MCG, your safety is our priority. If you experience any form of antisocial behaviour, please report it by texting 'Assist' to the MCG's antisocial text hotline on 0409 117 621.

The MCG is a smoke, e-cigarette and vape-free venue. Patrons found smoking or vaping inside the Ground will face immediate eviction.

VFL

Round 16
Richmond v Southport
Saturday, July 12
12:05pm (AEST), Kinetic Stadium, Frankston, Boon Wurrung/Bunerong

Live-streamed here on the AFL website.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Keep updated with Richmond’s Instagram, Facebook and X accounts for all the latest news and behind-the-scenes action on game day.

Download the Richmond Official App for LIVE scores and stats of every game delivered to your phone or tablet.

Richmond has snapped a seven-game losing streak, coming from behind to stun Essendon by nine points in an MCG scrap on Saturday night.

The Tigers failed to score a goal in the second and third quarters, but still managed to secure their fourth win of the season.

A clutch goal from Jacob Hopper put Richmond in front midway through the final term, setting up the 6.10 (46) to 4.13 (37) victory.

It was the young Tigers' first win since beating West Coast on May 11.

After each team kicked three goals in the opening quarter, Essendon kicked the only goal across the second and third quarters, as both teams struggled to control the ball.

No team scored a goal after Richmond ace Jayden Short's major late in the first quarter until midway through the third term, when Essendon young gun Archer May converted a free kick.

Trailing by seven points at the final change, the Tigers lifted the energy in the final term in front of a fired-up Tiger army.

Tim Taranto stood out in the contest with 34 touches and a goal, while Essendon captain Zach Merrett battled valiantly with 31 possessions.

In his return to the AFL side, Short had 25 disposals and 497 metres gained, while Nick Vlastuin collected 23 disposals and six intercepts in his 250th.

Hotton gets the 'G roaring early
Taj Hotton made his long-awaited debut, and it didn't take him long to assert himself in the game, with his first-quarter goal sending the Tiger Army into raptures. The 19-year-old ran back with the flight and hauled in a huge mark 30m out from goal after veteran Dion Prestia sent a spearing kick inside 50. With just his second disposal of his career, Hotton calmly went back and slotted the goal and was immediately swamped by teammates. Hotton, the son of former Collingwood and Carlton player Trent, was taken by the Tigers with pick No.12 despite suffering an ACL injury during his draft year. The Tigers handed him a well-earned debut after promising performances in his three VFL outings since his return.

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, Merrett, Duursma, 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