Richmond's path towards Round 1 took a step in the right direction on Saturday, with an impressive 6.10 (46) to 4.6 (30) practice match win over Fremantle in Perth.
The Tigers' leaders seem primed and ready for the home-and-away season, with co-captains Ellie McKenzie and Gabby Seymour, and vice-captain Monique Conti, setting the standard with spectacular performances.
McKenzie recorded 25 disposals, 13 contested possessions, eight score involvements, six clearances, six intercepts and five tackles, Conti's influence grew as the game progressed with 24 disposals, while Seymour looked comfortable in a new forward role with 14 disposals and six score involvements, and her one goal could have easily been more, as she kicked three behinds.
Key forward Caitlin Greiser was an imposing presence inside forward 50, with Fremantle's defenders having no answer for the 27-year-old. Only inaccuracy stopped Greiser from kicking a bag, as she kicked 2.4 to go along with her 13 disposals.
Other notable performances included new Tigers Fina Dethlefsen and Georgia Stubs stopping anything that came their way in defence with a combined 10 intercepts, Emelia Yassir showcasing her lightning fast pace from stoppages in her increased midfield time and youngster Sierra Grieves finishing with 18 disposals and eight contested possessions.
It was the perfect start for Richmond, with ruck Poppy Kelly winning the first tap and newly minted midfielder Yassir bursting away from the stoppage in style.
Yassir delivered the ball deep to Greiser, who finished an impressive snapping goal within the opening 10 seconds.
Just moments later it was Yassir who again stormed away from a stoppage, leading to a clean kick inside-50 to co-captain, and new forward, Seymour. She would kick truly and energy was high amongst the Tigers.
Richmond’s structure, plan and execution from clearance and stoppage was on show throughout the opening term, with the midfield group getting on top. Swarming pressure was also a staple of the Tigers’ first 20 minutes, as they set the tone across the ground.
Dethlefsen took some impressive intercept marks in defence, as the 2025 draftee looks right at home at AFLW level.
A beautiful set shot finish from the boundary line from co-captain McKenzie would give Richmond its third major of the opening term, and a 3.1 (19) to 1.2 (8) lead at the first break.
An arm-wrestle defined the second quarter, as while the Tigers spent long stages of the period in their attacking half, some blown chances in front of goal saw them add seven behinds to the score.
However, at the other end, Richmond’s defence stood tall and repelled several Fremantle attacking forays. The Tigers kept the Dockers scoreless in the quarter, a very positive sign for Jarrad Donders’ team.
McKenzie was everywhere in the first half with 13 disposals, three clearances, one goal and six score involvements. Fellow co-captain Seymour was equally as good with 11 disposals and a goal, while former Docker Dana East acquitted herself well with 13 opening half touches.
The Dockers would gain some momentum in the third quarter, kicking two goals to one, cutting the Tigers’ lead to just nine points at the final change.
However, Richmond would take back command in the final term, with goals to Aoibhin Cleary and Grieves putting the result beyond doubt.
The Tigers open the season on Saturday, August 15 against Collingwood at IKON Park.
FREMANTLE 1.2 1.2 3.6 4.6 (30)
RICHMOND 3.1 3.7 4.9 6.10 (46)
GOALS: Greiser 2, Seymour, McKenzie, Cleary, Grieves
DISPOSALS: McKenzie 25, Conti 24, Grieves 18, Dallaway 14, East 14, Seymour 14, Beruldsen 14
