Richmond AFLW coach Ryan Ferguson is proud of how his new defenders stepped up in Sunday's two-point Dreamtime win over Essendon at ETU Stadium. 

Recruit Libby Graham and draftee Eilish Sheerin stood tall in the absence of key forward Bec Miller, who suffered a hamstring injury in Round 3, and the continued absence of Harriet Cordner as she continues her recovery from an ACL injury.

The duo have slotted seamlessly into the Tigers' backline, Graham asserting herself as a pillar in defence and Sheerin exciting Tiger fans with her intercept ability and dash off half-back. 

Sheerin, with only four AFLW outings to her name, the 29-year-old rebounding defender having averaged 17 disposals, three tackles and 394 metres gained per game so far this season.

"They did fantastically well," Ferguson said post-match.

"From a couple of years ago where we had Bec Miller and Harriet Cordner holding us up strong, and without either of them, to keep a good team to three goals, I thought they fought really well together with their connection.

"They're playing as a really tough-to-score-against unit, which is impressive given Bec was out of that team."

After suffering close losses in the opening two rounds of the season, Ferguson said his side showed growth in being able to hold off the Bombers and close out Sunday's game. 

"It was a heart-stopper. I thought we controlled the last quarter really well but there were still some moments we can learn from," he said.

"Losses teach you a lot, but we like learning from wins, but after the couple early in the season where we felt we could've got a result, it was great reward for effort.

"I want them to take-away how hard they had to fight for it. The Bombers are potent in attack and strong through the midfielder, they're an exciting team, they were hard and tough and worked really hard across the whole day.

"We had to fight for every inch and every player had to play their part to get a narrow victory, to understand what it takes to win games of footy."

Captain Katie Brennan was a welcomed inclusion back into the side on Sunday, her experience and composure coming to the fore in the dying minutes of the win. 

"Her presence was helpful and obviously her footy nous," Ferguson said.

"Even late, just to take a couple of those nice marks and take the heat out of the game... It was great to have her back in."