Richmond AFLW coach Ryan Ferguson says Saturday's win over Brisbane at the Swinburne Centre was a huge step forward for the Club.
The Tigers made a statement in the four-point victory over the ladder leaders, showcasing high-pressure footy and an ability to match it with the league's best.
"We felt like we had chances against the Crows (in Round 2) but couldn't put them away, (so) to (win) against the best, clearly the best form in the competition, moment and in our option, outright premiership favourites, was a breakthrough moment," Ferguson
"(We knew) we just had to deliver and be in the moment, and all of our experiences over the last four weeks allowed us to play that situation really well.
"It's brilliant that the attitude of the players has been learn, grow, get better, take belief and it literally took all four games of experience and moments put into action and get over the line in a really tight, intense (game).
"The crowd was unbelievable, it was a brilliant atmosphere."
The win was made all the more impressive given the Tigers were without skipper Kate Brennan, vice-captain Sarah Hosking, and key defender Rebecca Miller.
"It shows the journey that we're on in terms of building that depth and using our whole list and that's what's required to be a good team," Ferguson said.
"(We want to) be competitive and win games regardless of who we've got on the park, because we've recruited well, we've trained well, and we're moulding a list that we think can be competitive no matter who's out there."
Ferguson said that a close, high-pressure first half gave the Tigers belief.
"Brisbane have been destroying teams in the second quarter and we knew that," he said.
"(So), to be able to match it with them in the second quarter, there was a belief that maybe we'd taken their best punches that some other teams might not have been able to absorb, and we were ready to play the game out and see if we can get a result."
While the Tigers will relish the big win, they won't be resting on their laurels as they turn their attention to next Saturday's game against Gold Coast.
"(Gold Coast is) starting to really build into some good form," Ferguson said.
"We'll take belief from today, but pretty quickly on Monday, we'll get back to work.
"We'll walk through the doors ready to learn and grow again."
Vice-captain Sarah Hosking is "questionable" for the clash, but skipper Katie Brennan, who missed the first three rounds due to a foot injury, is set to return as part of her management plan for the season.
"We've just got to make sure that we're looking after (Brennan's) best interest in longevity in footy and life, so that there's zero risk for her," Ferguson said.
"But the plan will be that she'll play. She's tracking really well."
