Richmond AFLW matched it with reigning premier Brisbane on Friday night at Brighton Homes Arena, going down by just two points in an official practice match.
Tigers' captain Katie Brennan kicked three goals in an arm wrestle up north, as her side showed promising signs ahead of the season's start, the final score reading 5.7 (37) to 5.5 (35).
Richmond was tenacious, only giving up the lead in the final seven minutes, and closing the gap to two points after the Lions had kicked two goals clear.
Libby Graham, Bec Miller and Jodie Hicks were excellent in defence, while Ally Dallaway made a sparky Tigers debut through the middle and up forward.
Monique Conti (23 disposals, three tackles) hasn't missed a beat, and Richmond's full-ground defence was excellent
Ellie McKenzie (21 disposals), returning from a long injury lay-off, showed some nice signs, while Poppy Kelly was strong in the ruck and around the ground.
Speaking to Richmond Media following the clash, senior coach Ryan Ferguson said it was a "perfect hit-out for what (the Tigers) wanted" to prepare them for Round 1.
"We got a really strong contest, greasy conditions... we got to feel what it was like to play against a really high-pressure team, how to deal with the heat, we had ascendency in the game for big periods and had to arm-wrestle it back for periods," Ferguson said.
"The brand of footy that we wanted to play was shining through, and we get brilliant information of what worked, and also what we need to get better to make sure that if that was for four points, we get over the line."
Ferguson said recruits Dallaway and Hicks, alongside draftees Isabel Bacon and Mackenzie Ford, all "made their mark" in their new colours.
"(They) impacted. They have all pre-season, but pre-season is one thing and games is another," Ferguson said.
"So, obviously for them to impact in-game then gives them a little bit more traction, and gets us excited for what they can do for the season.
"They all played the way that they wanted to play, and they'll only get better."
With the pre-season now wrapped up, the Tigers turn their attention to Round 1 of the AFLW against West Coast at Mineral Resources Park on Friday, August 30 from 9.15pm AEST.
New faces: Ally Dallaway (trade), Jodie Hicks (trade), Isabel Bacon (draft), Mackenzie Ford (draft)
Notable omissions: Sarah Hosking (hamstring)
Injuries: Nil
Major ball-winners: Monique Conti, Eilish Sheerin, Ellie McKenzie, Grace Egan, Tessa Lavey
Goals: Katie Brennan 3, Ally Dallaway, Emelia Yassir
BRISBANE 2.2 2.4 3.5 (37)
RICHMOND 2.0 4.3 4.4 (35)
