Richmond coach Adem Yze has paid tribute to "tough bugger" Tom Lynch after the veteran forward played through pain to be a key contributor in the 18-point win over Essendon.
Lynch hurt his throat and was one of three players taken to hospital with injuries sustained in the annual Dreamtime At The 'G contest at the MCG on Friday night.
Bombers pair Andrew McGrath (broken jaw) and Archie May (ribs) were also sent to hospital after a brutal affair between the two lowest-ranked teams on the ladder.
Lynch was hurt before halftime but played on and finished with two goals, including a crucial steadier in the final quarter of the Tigers' 10.14 (74) to 7.14 (56) victory.
The result lifted Richmond (2-9) off the bottom of the ladder and was a fitting way to celebrate premiership star Jayden Short's 200th game.
