Richmond AFLW kicked off it's pre-season campaign in style on Saturday afternoon with a 63-point win over Fremantle at Rushton Park in Mandurah, 10.11 (71) to 1.2 (8).
The match simulation was the first of two hit-outs for the Tigers ahead of their season's start against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday, August 28.
Richmond wasted no time getting going on the scoreboard, leading from the clash from start to finish. Veteran forward Courtney Wakefield kicked off proceedings with the opening major and did not slow down from there with a five-goal performance, showcasing her strong contested marking ability.
The Tigers looked lively and jelled well as they put their pre-season work to the test, gaining ascendancy early as they locked the ball inside their forward 50 for the majority of the clash.
Second year Tiger Stella Reid was dangerous up forward with two goals, while Sarah Hosking and Ellie McKenzie were damaging through the midfield.
Senior coach Ryan Ferguson said he was pleased with what the Tigers were able to get out of the match simulation.
"It's affirmation for us to continue building, it was more about our attitude and our intent and our game rather than about the scoreboard and the opposition," Ferguson said.
"Seeing the aspects of our game starting to shine through, ironing out some chinks as the game went on and being able to make some adjustments.
"It was a chance to have a great hit-out and continue to grow from that in the next phase of our pre-season."
Tiger fans got their first look at a number of Richmond's sign and trade period recruits, including Grace Egan, Libby Graham and Steph Williams, as well as draftees Katelyn Cox and Eilish Sheerin.
All looked right at home in the Yellow and Black, drawing praise from senior coach Ryan Ferguson.
"Grace has been brilliant since she's come on board with us, she has a great attitude and she's really building... It was great for her to have a run around against an opposition with her teammates," Ferguson said.
"Eilish really gave us some run and dash off hard-back which was pleasing to see, and Libby was really strong down back and is starting to work in well with her teammates in creating a hopefully hard-to-score-against backline.
"Katelyn's ability to compete and win the ball at ground level and show a bit of class to step through traffic and find a free target... I was really pleased with her output, she's tracking along nicely."
Saturday's clash was an important tune-up ahead of the side's first ever game on the MCG in their official practice game against Hawthorn next Sunday, August 14 from 10.30am, in a Richmond/Hawthorn double-header.
"We're excited to get back to training and work on our game for the weekend to set ourselves up for a fantastic occasion," Ferguson said.
"They'll be ready and raring for that."
See you at the ‘G 😁 pic.twitter.com/boCwvnUAX8
— RichmondW (@RichmondWomens) August 6, 2022