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