Jake Carlisle belongs in defence and Richmond belong nowhere near the AFL top eight.

They were two glaring conclusions after Essendon belted the Tigers by 50 points in Saturday night’s Dreamtime At The ‘G blockbuster in front of 74,664 fans.

A week after Richmond appeared to steady the ship with a 113-point walloping of Greater Western Sydney, they were found wanting again as Essendon easily won 15.14 (104) to 7.12 (54).

Richmond have lost four of their last five games and are in dire straits at 3-7.

Tough for Richmond fans watching the game on TV. Having to see the tigers get smashed all while listening to the intolerable Brian Taylor.
— Simon Webb (@simonjohnwebb) May 31, 2014

Excuse my French. But this is crap from @Richmond_FC the tigers tonight. Embarrassing! — Stephen Quartermain (@Quartermain10) May 31, 2014

@etho5678 @Richmond_FC @EssendonFC This is worse by the Tigers, a total train wreck and no ticker — Jim Wilson (@Jim_Wilson7) May 31, 2014

Essendon are no world-beaters, but they are just outside the top eight with a 5-5 record.

While Brendon Goddard was best afield, Carlisle made a very strong case for why he should no longer play as a key forward.

Michael Hurley’s late withdrawal with a back injury meant Carlisle had to go back and he was outstanding.

Coach Mark Thompson has been determined to play Carlisle in attack this season, but it has never worked.

Carlisle’s absence in front of goal certainly did not hurt Essendon as they kicked their biggest score since the round three Carlton thrashing.

Ben Howlett kicked five goals and key forward Joe Daniher contributed three.

Heath Hocking did a crucial tagging job on Richmond playmaker Brett Deledio, although the Bombers midfielder will come under video scrutiny for high contact with Ben Lennon in the last term.

After Jack Riewoldt starred with 11 goals last week, Cale Hooker was solid on him and the Bombers defence restricted the Tigers key forward to three goals.

Essendon kicked four goals in the opening 13 minutes to pile the early pressure on Richmond.

The Tigers rallied in the second term, but the Bombers kicked three goals late in the half for a commanding 39-point lead.

When Daniher’s booming shot on the halftime siren went through, Richmond were shot.

Midfielder Brandon Ellis continued his strong season for the Tigers and Dustin Martin was also solid, but too many team-mates went missing when the match was in the balance.