Match simulation for Richmond's AFLW team was set and ready on a chilly Thursday, with fog hanging over the Swinburne Centre. Yet it didn't deter an eager playing group, who got to work showing off their improving tackling and ball reading skills across the ground.

The side took every opportunity to highlight their accelerating speeds and new attacking game style across Thursday's session, in an exciting sign for the Tiger Army. 

As explained earlier in the week by AFLW Physical Performance Manager, Hunter Rubino, the Club is utilising match simulations as a chance to see an improvement in high-level running, which will allow a stronger understanding of what Richmond can achieve in 2026.

The game started with a bang, with coach Jarrad Donders appointed boundary umpire, a role he was a little too good at, and he enjoyed a little too much.

Mackenzie Ford shrugged tackles inside-50 and fed the ball towards goal, setting the standard and energy early.

Veteran Katie Brennan sat comfortably on the wing, feeding the ball with ease to Emelia Yassir, who in turn gave hands to ruck Montana McKinnon. 

McKinnon, who has hit her nine-month ACL recovery timeline, integrated into parts of match simulation with an ease that shows how well she is tracking with her rehabilitation.

Top draftee Olivia Wolmarans paired well with co-captain Gabby Seymour in front of goals, taking flying marks and bringing the ball to ground to support the small forwards.

Montana Beruldsen was impressive through the middle, with her tackling ability from Tuesday's skill session already on display, and her strength to bring her opponents to ground a highlight.

Sarah Hosking's booming voice could be heard from afar, as she teamed up with Libby Graham in defence, keeping their opposition at bay and setting up a backline that was rock solid.

Up the other end, it was Fina Dethlefsen's turn to literally stand tall and take two key pack marks, both resulting in silky set shot goals.

New recruit Ana Mulholland, alongside her Irish teammate Aoibhin Cleary, kept up their fitness with Ally Dallaway around the ground. The trio also played limited minutes through the match simulation, with Dallaway breaking packs in and under the midfield as usual.

Zoe Hargreaves continues to build her case for a 2026 debut, with her smart ball feeding skills aiding the elite speed of Kate Dempsey off the wings and inside forward 50.

Charli Wicksteed became an elite entry point, feeding the ball from the wing to inside-50, and showing off how she can impact with just running alone.

The ever-present Beth Lynch played as a loose extra defender, allowing her to break the lines up the middle and deliver the ball inside-50, giving her side a goal late in the first half.

Dana East zipped and zagged her way up to the wing, and was able to present as a calm presence who refused to give an inch across half-back.

The team utilised the match simulation to understand and showcase their structures and hunger to find the footy. With the first match simulation clash against North Melbourne just under two weeks away, Richmond eagerly awaits its next challenge.