Richmond AFLW put together a successful four quarter hit-out against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday at the Swinburne Centre.
In sunny conditions, the Tigers and the Bulldogs faced off in a competitive match simulation with the hosts coming out on top, the final score reading 10.5 (65) to 4.6 (30).
The Bulldogs got off to a fast start in the first of the 20-minute terms, opening proceedings within the first minute.
But, Richmond soon responded through forward Caitlin Greiser, who cleverly snuck one through from the goal square.
The pressure was on from the get-go, as Bulldogs booted the next two goals, before the Tigers matched them with two of their own.
Exciting ruck recruit Montana McKinnon made an impressive start to her first outing in the Yellow and Black, impacting aerially and showcasing her fierce competitiveness as she slotted a major.
Unfortunately, she came off the ground with a lower limb injury in the second term and did not take any further part in the clash, with further updates to come.
2023 league Best and Fairest winner Monique Conti also showed her craft up forward with a goal, while exhibiting her usual dominance through the middle of the ground with her evasive skills and hard tackling.
As the second quarter got underway, Poppy Kelly gave the hosts the lead with a well-executed set-shot from 35 metres out.
Katie Brennan was all class as the Tigers' crafty captain then dribbled one through. Her strong marking and on-field leadership was on full display through the clash.
With a 10-point buffer at the main break, the Tigers extended their lead in the third quarter through Emelia Yassir, who came on for the second half and was lively, and Stella Reid, who finished the clash with two goals.
Eilish Sheeran provided plenty of grunt through the midfield, working in tandem with Ellie McKenzie, Grace Egan and recruit Ally Dallaway.
The Bulldogs had numerous inside-50 entries during the third term, but key defensive duo Libby Graham and Bec Miller were pillars down back and thwarted the visitors’ attempts.
Ahead by 23 points with one quarter remaining, the Tigers again stretched their lead in the last, with Sheerin and Maddie Shevlin also jumping in on the goal-scoring action.
Speaking to Richmond Media following the clash, Kelly said the Tigers’ clean transition down the ground was particularly pleasing.
"It was really good to get the cobwebs out and get some connection with the team, not going up against each other, going up against an opposition is really nice, you can go a bit harder," Kelly said.
"It was really good out of our stoppages and then some really clean forward entry entries, was really nice to see.
"Our connection's really coming on.
"It was really loud out there., I think we were predictable to each other. A great git-out"
Kelly, reaping the rewards of a strong pre-season, was a standout for the Tigers in the ruck and backline.
"I had a really big pre-season, I don't really feel like I had much of an off season. I worked a lot with (Shaun Hampson) on my aerial contest work and I think that's really helped me coming into the season," she said.
The Tigers final pre-season challenge will be an official practice match against Brisbane next Friday, August 16 from 7.15pm.
A live stream with commentary of the practice match will also be available.
"There's a bit of a rivalry there. We love coming up against them. It will be a hard game, it will be hot as well," Kelly said.
"It'll be a really good hit out.
"We love travelling. I think we play our best footy often when we're travelling and it's good to be around each other. We just love hanging out together."
