One word can be used to describe Richmond's AFLW campaign at the midway point of the season - improvement. 

Improvement in wins. Improvement in game style. Improvement in player performance. 

And it's an exciting formula for the Tiger Army, as Richmond gets set to test itself against the best the AFLW has to offer in the second half of the year.

After saluting in just two matches last season and undergoing a raft of changes in the off-season, the Tigers reset their AFLW program with the key appointments of Head Coach Jarrad Donders, Executive General Manager, Women’s Football, Jane Woodlands-Thompson, and a revamped coaching and high performance staff.

The results have been stark and immediate. 

Richmond has won four of its first six games in 2026, doubling its win total from 2025 and sitting just percentage off fifth spot on the ladder. 

While the wins have no doubt been vitally important and fuelled the team with belief, the way in which the Tigers have played provides even more optimism about both the present and future.

Donders has implemented a modern game plan, with Richmond's ball movement being daring, electric and dynamic. Whenever the Tigers see an avenue to attack, they charge. Angles are changed to find the most efficient way to slice up the opponent's defence. Once the ball is won, the yellow and black is on the move with ambition and it's paying dividends. 

Richmond's averaging 17.5 shots at goal entering Round 7, fourth-most in the competition, behind only North Melbourne (20.2), Melbourne (19.8) and Geelong (19.0), the teams who occupy the top three positions on the ladder. The Tigers are also fourth for shots at goal per inside-50 and equal-fourth for chains to score, which calculates the proportion of all chains, including all kick-in chains, all clearances, and intercepts with at least one disposal in the chain, that result in a score.

Richmond averages 16.2 chains to score, equal with the Kangaroos, and only behind the Demons, Cats and Sydney, all top four sides. 

While accuracy in front of goal is an area the Tigers are working hard to correct, the evidence proves Donders' aggressive ball movement has unlocked ample opportunities for Richmond to kick a winning score.

Personnel changes up forward has also proven to be a masterstroke, with Caitlin Greiser being strongly supported by No.1 pick Olivia Wolmarans and co-captain Gabby Seymour. 

Wolmarans has wasted no time making her mark on the competition, kicking 10 goals and being a constant headache for defenders due to her impressive contested marking and body positioning. 

Greiser looks as prominent as ever and is equal-fourth, alongside Wolmarans, for shots at goal, while Seymour's move from key defender to key forward has been a successful one, the 29-year-old coming off a three-goal performance in last week's win over GWS.

In the midfield, opportunities have been created and taken with aplomb. 

Superstars Monique Conti and Ellie McKenzie have maintained their elite standards, but have also dealt with injuries, Conti nursing Achilles soreness and McKenzie returning in Round 5 after an arm injury. 

However, the production of the Tigers' engine room hasn't deterred with the likes of Issy Bacon, Emelia Yassir, Dana East, Sierra Grieves and ruck Poppy Kelly all stepping up.

Bacon has embraced her extended time in the middle, notching 15 disposals per game, fourth most on the team and an increase from her eight per game last season. Yassir has been injected into the middle, her speed, energy and tenacity giving Richmond a different dimension around the ball. Yassir's 14.3 pressure acts per game is second most on the team.

East has established herself as a vital cog in the side after joining from Fremantle, leading the side for handballs per game, while Grieves was named the Round 1 Rising Star and showcases her superstar potential on a weekly basis.

Kelly has commanded the ruck position, her potent tap work leading to the Tigers ranking first in the AFLW for first possessions to clearance, which is the proportion of first possessions where the team won the clearance, and third in centre clearances. 

Down back, Richmond has been defending with a clear plan and intent, with the rapid rise of Montana Beruldsen a key highlight from that line.

Beruldsen is third at the Club for disposals per game (15.3) and second for effective kicks (7.7), combining her defensive prowess with impact when the ball is in hand. 

The story of Beruldsen's season is even more inspiring due to the significant health challenges she faced in the off-season, which you can click here to read more about. 

Five of the Tigers' remaining six games are scheduled to be played in Melbourne, giving fans the perfect chance to get behind the team.

What awaits Richmond won't be easy, with matches against Carlton (6th on the ladder), Geelong (3rd), Adelaide (11th), Melbourne (1st), Gold Coast away (5th) and North Melbourne (2nd) to come.

However, if there's one thing the Tigers have proved is they're up for the fight and there's no doubt Donders will have his team prepared and ready to test themselves against the best the AFLW has to offer.

All stats via Wheelo Ratings and the AFLW website.