Richmond's first competitive hit-out of 2026 is complete, as the Tigers lost to Essendon by 50 points in a match simulation on Friday.

Former All-Australian midfielder Darcy Parish found plenty of the ball and kicked two goals for the Bombers in an 18.10 (118) to 10.8 (68) win as two of the youngest lists in the AFL went head-to-head.

A goal after the quarter-time siren from No.7 pick Sam Cumming saw Richmond up by 14 points at the first change as the Tigers punished some poor Bombers turnovers.

Sam Lalor took a superb first-quarter mark over Jayden Nguyen in the highlight of the opening term. Steely Green also created a moment for the highlight reel, kicking a clever goal over his head. 

Lalor and Taj Hotton were impressive early, while Sam Grlj – last year's No.8 pick – showed run and poise from the back half.

Harry Armstrong was a presence for Richmond in the forward line, kicking two goals, while Mykelti Lefau booted three majors.

Kane McAuliffe and Tyler Sonsie also had positive showings, as the Tigers now shift the focus to next Friday's AAMI Community Series game against Melbourne in Ballarat.

Essendon took over to begin the second quarter, piling on a quick run of goals – and seven for the quarter – to take control.

Parish was ably supported by Sam Durham, Jye Caldwell and Nate Caddy (four goals) for the hosts. 

Young guns
With two of the youngest lists in the AFL, there was plenty of fresh faces on show. Lalor showed glimpses of why he was the No.1 pick in 2024, including taking a superb mark in the first quarter, while Grlj caught the eye with his run and carry from defence. For the Bombers, Caddy, 20, kicked four goals, Angus Clarke was impressive and last year's No.10 pick Jacob Farrow showed good signs in defence.

Switching positions
Unsurprisingly, Lachie Blakiston took on No.1 ruck duties for the Bombers, after starting his career at Essendon last year as a key defender. Rising youngster Archie Roberts spent plenty of time on the ball after featuring mostly at half-back in 2025. Young Tigers pair Lalor and Hotton had stints on the ball as more midfield time beckons for them in 2026.

Injury watch
No fresh injury concerns for either side will come as a relief. Nathan Broad was rested after featuring in the State of Origin game last Saturday, while Tom Lynch, Maurice Rioli, Seth Campbell, Sam Banks, and Nick Vlastuin were managed. Noah Balta was not named due to a minor hamstring issue, which is not expected to impact the start of his AFL season. Dion Prestia (hamstring), Josh Smillie (quad), Tom Sims (foot), Samson Ryan (foot), and Judson Clarke (ACL) remain on the Club’s injury list and were unavailable for selection.

ESSENDON   3.1   10.5   13.9   18.10 (118)
RICHMOND   5.3   6.3   8.4   10.8 (68)

GOALS
Essendon: Caddy 4, Langford 3, Parish 2, Wright 2, El Achkar 2, Durham, May, Guelfi, Duursma, Caldwell
Richmond: Lefau 3, Armstrong 2, Hotton, Green, Cumming, Ross, Fawcett