The Richmond Tigers and Essendon are set to face off in Round 18 of the 2025 Australian Football League (AFL) at the MCG.
Richmond have been horrendously bad this season as they sit all the way in 17th on the AFL ladder heading into Round 18, as they have suffered 13 losses through their opening 16 games. They are currently on a seven-game winless run, four of which they have lost by over a 40-point gap.
Essendon have not had as torrid a time this home-and-away season as Richmond; however, their season has not gone much better. They have managed to grab only six victories in 15 games and currently sit 13th on the AFL ladder. They head into the game against Richmond on the back of a five-game losing streak.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Richmond vs. Essendon free live stream, free-to-air channel
- Live Stream: Kayo, Foxtel
- TV Channel: Fox Footy
- Free-to-air: --
Kayo and Foxtel are providing both live and catch-up coverage of the match. The clash will also be available to watch on Fox Footy.
Fans can stream Richmond vs. Essendon on Kayo which is currently offering a free trial for new subscribers so you can essentially watch this game and others this week for free. The match will also be streamed on the AFL website.
Richmond vs. Essendon start time
- Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
- Start Time: 7:35 p.m. AEST
- Venue & Location: MCG, Melbourne
The AFL Round 18 game between Richmond and Essendon will be played on Saturday, July 12 at 7:35 p.m. AEST.
It will be played at the MCG in Melbourne, Victoria.
Here's how that kick-off time translates to the various Australian time zones:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Australian Eastern Standard Time | Saturday, July 12 | 7:35 p.m. |
| Australian Central Standard Time | Saturday, July 12 | 7:05 p.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Saturday, July 12 | 5:35 p.m. |
AFL 2025 fixture schedule this week
Thursday, July 10
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Livestream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlton vs. Brisbane Lions | Marvel Stadium | 7:30 p.m. | Seven, Fox/Kayo, Binge |
Friday, July 11
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Livestream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast SUNS vs. Collingwood | People First Stadium | 7:40 p.m. | Seven, Fox/Kayo, Binge |
Saturday, July 12
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Bulldogs vs. Adelaide Crows | Marvel Stadium | 1:20 p.m. | Fox/ Kayo |
| GWS Giants vs. Geelong Cats | Engie Stadium | 4:15 p.m. | Fox /Kayo |
| Richmond vs. Essendon | MCG | 7:35 p.m. | Fox/Kayo |
| Fremantle vs. Hawthorn Hawks | Optus Stadium | 8:10 p.m. | Fox/Kayo |
Sunday, July 13
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne vs. North Melbourne | MCG | 1:10 p.m. | Fox/Kayo |
| St. Kilda vs. Sydney Swans | Marvel Stadium | 3:15 p.m. | Seven, Fox/Kayo |
| Port Adelaide vs. West Coast Eagles | Adelaide Oval | 4:40 p.m. | Fox/Kayo |