Two exciting returns and two debutants headline Richmond's AFLW line-up for Sunday’s clash with GWS at the Swinburne Centre.
The Tigers have named experienced duo Tessa Lavey and Sarah Hosking to make their returns for their first home game of the season, and the team's first outing at Tigerland since 2022.
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Lavey, who was recently elevated to vice-captain for the 2024 season, is set to play her first game since 2022, after she spent the entirety of the 2023 season on the sidelines due to a toe injury.
"Tessa didn't step a foot on the field last year, but she had so much influence on our group through training sessions and on game day when she had that headset on…she's just a top person with unbelievable values,” Tigers' skipper Katie Brennan said of Lavey recently.
The 31-year-old is a two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and notably finished fifth in Richmond’s best and fairest count from seven outings in 2022.
Hosking will also make her return for Richmond on Sunday afternoon after recovering from a hamstring injury.
The 28-year-old, who is in her sixth season at Tigerland, who once again also selected as part of the AFLW leadership group for the 2024 season.
"When I think about the word belonging, I think about Sarah, and how she creates that for all of us, not only players but staff and anyone who walks in our four walls. She's been a real leader," Brennan also said Hosking.
Rounding out the inclusions for the Tigers’ Week 2 line-up are a duo of debutants, Isabel Bacon, who was unavailable for the opening round due to illness, and Mackenzie Ford, who has recovered from a hamstring complaint.
Bacon, a pacy midfielder/defender, was selected by Richmond with its first pick (No. 13) in the 2023 AFLW Draft after excelling with the Sandringham Dragons in the Coates Talent League and impressing at the National Combine.
The 19-year-old also featured for Victoria Metro last year, notably receiving the side’s Coaches Award at the Under 18 National Championships.
Drafted out of the Tasmanian Devils in the Coates Talent League with pick No. 43, explosive medium forward Ford will also make her debut for the Tigers on Sunday afternoon.
The 19-year-old also represented the Allies in the National Championships last year, hoisting 17 disposals, two score assists and six tackles against Victoria Metro, and an impressive 15-tackle performance against Western Australia from the midfield.
Missing from the side is dual All-Australian Eilish Sheerin (quad), who is expected to face Sydney in Week 3.
Out of the Round 2 side are Molly Eastman, Courtney Jones, Stella Reid and Jemima Woods, who have all been omitted.
Eastman, Jones and Wicksteed have been named as emergencies for the clash.
The first bounce is set for 1:05pm, with gates open at Punt Road from 12:00pm.
Sunday afternoon’s game will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and Kayo Footy from 1:00pm AEST, and will also be available via live-stream on the AFL Live Official App and Kayo.
