The VFLW Tigers have been outplayed by Geelong, 1.2 (8) to 10.7 (67), on Saturday afternoon at GMHBA Stadium in Round 13.
The Tigers travelled to the Cattery to face fourth-placed Geelong with hopes of a scalp. But the practiced opposition, who has benefitted from an additional year in the VFLW, was victorious in the battle of the felines.
Richmond was left behind in the first quarter as the home side accelerated to a 21-point lead.
The Tigers, however, ramped up their intensity in the second and restricted Geelong to just one major. But their hard work in defence meant they were fatigued when in possession, and they were not able to apply any scoreboard damage themselves.
The floodgates opened for the Cats in the third term and they stacked on six consecutive goals, widening the margin to 28 points.
But Richmond was resurgent in the final quarter. The Tigers’ energy on the field was amplified and they performed at the contest. Keeping Geelong goalless for the quarter, the Tigers snagged one of their own thanks to a set shot from Jess Gardner.
In true Richmond style, the Tigers fought until the final siren, but the third-quarter damage was done and the Cats prevailed as winners by 59 points.
Coach Tom Hunter said while the result was disappointing, Richmond’s fourth quarter performance was a promising indication of his side’s capabilities.
“That last quarter was a great blueprint of the way we want to look, it was just a shame that it took so long to be able to get there,” he said.
Eighteen-year-old debutant Tamara Smith excelled in her first game wearing a Richmond guernsey. The Murray Bushrangers 2018 Best and Fairest recipient and Vic Country representative thrived at the contest as she laid eight tackles.
“We’ve been really impressed with the way she goes about her football. She’s really quiet and unassuming but on the football field she loves to tackle, loves the contest, and we really value those things so she fitted in really well today,” Hunter said.
Hunter also praised defender Evie Burry’s efforts and her ability to stick to her role as a pillar in defence.
“More often than not, she’s going to beat her opponent. We’ve been really impressed with the way she’s grown and the steps she’s taken on her football journey with us,” he said.
Midfielder Kate Dempsey topped the team for disposals (15), closely followed by Lisa Davie (14) and Phoebe Monahan (14).
Richmond will return to Tigerland for Round 14 against Williamstown, their penultimate game of the season. Hunter said the match, which will be held on Sunday August 12 at 12.00pm, will be a great opportunity for a challenge back on home deck.
RICHMOND 0.0 0.1 0.1 1.2 (8)
GEELONG 3.3 4.5 10.6 10.7 (67)
Goals
Richmond: Jess Gardner (1)
Geelong: Maddie Boyd (2), Mia-Rae Clifford (4), Richelle Cranston (1), Hannah Mangan (1), Danielle Orr (1), Kate Darby (1)
