In arguably the lowest-quality match of the season on Saturday, the Tigers failed to score a goal in the second and third quarters, but still managed to secure their fourth win of the season.
A clutch goal from Jacob Hopper put Richmond in front midway through the final term, setting up the 6.10 (46) to 4.13 (37) victory.
It was the rebuilding Tigers' first win since beating lowly West Coast on May 11.
After each team kicked three goals in the opening quarter, the standard of the match collapsed dramatically.
Essendon kicked the only goal across the second and third quarters as both teams repeatedly butchered the ball.
No team scored a goal from Richmond ace Jayden Short's major late in the first quarter until midway through the third term, when Essendon young gun Archer May converted a free kick.
"It wasn't the prettiest game, but when we're sitting where we are are and what we're going through on our build, we'll take these wins and celebrate them, because they're really important for our group," Richmond coach Adem Yze said.
Leading by seven points at the final change, Essendon will be ruing a missed opportunity, but also devastated for Martin who has "almost certainly" ruptured his ACL.
The 24-year-old was shoved over the boundary line by Richmond forward Rhyan Mansell, before landing awkwardly.
He was subbed off after hurting his right knee midway through the first quarter
Martin, who was best on ground when Essendon defeated the Tigers in their Dreamtime clash two months ago, looked shattered as he was assessed by medical staff in the rooms.
He sat on the bench for the rest of the match, making his way out to the three-quarter time huddle on crutches.
Essendon coach Brad Scott is fearing the worst for Martin, continuing a miserable run with injury as they are already missing eight of their best team.
Six Bombers, including playmakers Sam Draper, Jye Caldwell and Zach Reid, have already been ruled out for the season.
The Bombers have started investigating why so many players are breaking down, many of them due to repeated soft-tissue injuries.
If scans confirm Essendon's fears, Martin will become the fourth Bombers player to injure his ACL this season, joining Nick Bryan, Lewis Hayes and Tom Edwards.
Tigers star Tim Taranto stood out in a scrappy contest with 34 touches and a goal, while Essendon captain Zach Merrett battled valiantly with 31 possessions.
"It was clearly a terrible game," Scott said.
"The second quarter probably summed it up a little bit.
"It doesn't mean terrible effort, it just means a comedy of errors."
It was Essendon's sixth straight loss, ahead of a Marvel Stadium date with surging GWS on Thursday night.
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