The Tigers headed home from Larrakia Country with their second win of 2026 after snatching the lead in the final 90 seconds of a classic Dreamtime fixture to cap the first week of the AFLW's Indigenous Round.
A single point margin separated Richmond and the Bombers at the final change, with Caitlin Greiser's decisive goal the sole major of the fourth at TIO Stadium, ending 5.8 (38) - 4.9 (33).
Djadjawurrung woman Maddy Prespakis did all she could trying to spur Essendon towards their first win of the year, kicking their opening two goals in the first term, and finishing with a game-high 32 disposals, three clearances and as many tackles to continue her blistering form to start the season.
Waywurru woman Georgia Nanscawen was among the Bombers best, with three clearances of her own and a match-high nine tackles.
Speaking at Indigenous Round's launch last week, Nanscawen told National Indigenous Times, after learning more has led her to embracing her First Nations identity a little more strongly in recent years, the Dreamtime game and fortnight meant something a little more special in 2026.
"It always has been a special game for us and for Richmond as well. It's a privilege to to get to play in such a marquee game, and it's one that we we mark on the calendar every year. Obviously, coming off two losses," she later said in Darwin ahead of the game.
Tigers forward and Palawa woman Mackenzie Ford said her side were looking at cracking into the winners list after a couple of AFLW losses at the ground.
"Just being able to come together as a group and celebrate different cultures and do it alongside the Bombers as well is really important. Something that we can celebrate together," Ford added on Indigenous Round in the Top End.
"From a family perspective, obviously coming from the other end in Tassie, it's really cool to come up here and have this experience as well."
Ford and Nanscawen came together in the final exchanges on Sunday night.
The Bombers' pressure-machine had Ford holding the ball inside Richmond's forward 50, as the Tigers pressed towards goal.
When the footy rebounded back towards the sticks, veteran Katie Brennan mopped up a loose ball, and handpassed to Greiser all alone 20 metres out.
Dreamtime in Darwin continues to deliver 🤩
Relive the Last Two Minutes of Essendon v Richmond.#AFLWDeadly | #AFLWDonsTigers pic.twitter.com/5CmtybXQ3Q
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) August 30, 2026
Essedon pushed at one last chance to create some heartbreak in their favour, but the Tigers did enough to clogg things up and hold on for the win.
The previous Dreamtime affair in Darwin finished in a draw.
Across the competition, Brisbane were handed the heaviest defeat in their history when Narrm booted 14 goals for a 56-point win.
Mia King was last week ruled out for the season after surgery for a serious neck injury, with her North downing the Bulldogs in Tasmania - despite a controversial jumper clash which raised some eyebrows amongst fans - to grow their record unbeaten run.
Tess Craven with a nice finish 👏#AFLWNorthDogs pic.twitter.com/4YLc1nnEkK
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) August 29, 2026
Zippy Fish was instrumental in Sydney's maiden win against Euro-Yroke (St Kilda) and Georgie Prespakis led her Cats to a seven-point win over the Gold Coast.
Kuwarna (Adelaide), Yartapuulti, Hawthorn and Carlton all posted wins.
Indigenous Round continues from Saturday, when the Bulldogs host the Swans to kick off the weekend.
