Jarrad Donders has expressed his excitement following the Tigers' third win of the 2026 AFLW season, with hopes that the Tiger Army will continue to show up and support the push for a finals berth.
The senior coach discussed the rapid improvement of Issy Bacon, Montana McKinnon's ACL return, the importance of Richmond fans and more in his Round 5 post-match interview.
On co-captain Ellie McKenzie's first game and return from injury...
"It's very nice to have Ellie back. For her to present the way she did and contribute the way she did, I know she's very pleased," Donders said.
"I'm really proud that we could get the job done for her, someone that's respected in our four walls."
On the Tigers' improving pressure despite St Kilda's comeback...
"I thought our pressure was really good. We had a pretty outstanding first quarter in the way we moved the ball, we had real conviction in the way we did it.
"[We're] still finding our balance in attack and defence is a growth area for us, but we're proud of the learnings the players are implementing off the back of training.
"We are really pleased with our start to the season. There's still a long way to go. There are areas of our game that we still need to refine and tidy up and get better at. There's definitely real growth and some green shoots within our program. It's going to take us forward positively."
On Issy Bacon's last two weeks...
"She's going to be a star. We've seen that now for two weeks in a row. She's played a lot off half-back and a bit of wing," he said.
"We see her growth as an inside midfielder as something that's really promising for our Club. We're really pleased for her and her performance. She's only going to continue to get better."
On Richmond's improving ruck stocks...
"Gabs [Seymour] was a volleyballer in her past. Her vertical jump and her power is a real strength. I saw something in that with the new ruck rules coming into this season," Donders said.
"Her and Poppy have a nice little duo going on it there. Monty McKinnon was back this week, we know she can roll through there.
"We have a few ruck options, which is quite pleasing. The athleticism of our players through there is quite exciting."
On Montana McKinnon's return from her second ACL injury...
"She's flying. She's been a top performer on the training track. She's done more football in her rehab and recovery than she's ever done.
"She was more than well prepared. She could have played a month ago, but with ACLs, we want to make sure she's definitely 100 per cent ready to go. I thought her output was super."
On having Windy Hill as a home ground in 2026...
"Balancing here [Windy Hill] and IKON Park as our home grounds this year is worth it, because we're back at Punt Road next year, and the facilities we've got there are going to be outstanding.
"I thought our supporters, the crowd that rocked up was outstanding. Hopefully they're starting to believe what we're building.
"We're back here in Round 12 against the Roos. Hopefully we get the same turnout, if not more."
