With the VFLW home and away season underway, we take a look at four Tigers who are set to impress in 2018.
#60 KATE DEMPSEY: New recruit Kate Dempsey joined Richmond last month. Formerly of St. Mary’s Salesian, the skilful midfielder is in her fourth year of playing competitive football. She was a standout player in Round 1, racking up 17 disposals and 13 kicks. Standing at 160cm tall, the agile 23-year-old is quick along the wing. The self-proclaimed ‘fitness junkie’ loves to run. She also has a booming kick and a knack for reading the play.
VFLW Tigers Coach Tom Hunter said Dempsey is an exciting prospect for the club.
“She’s got super skills, she’s really smart with the ball in hand, and without the ball in hand, and she’s one that we’re looking for a really big year from,” Hunter said.
#61 JENNA COLWELL: Midfielder Jenna Colwell proved influential in Richmond’s maiden VFLW victory. The 30-year-old booted two goals and amassed 10 touches. Known for her presence around the ball, Colwell, a past St Kilda Sharks player, is a fierce competitor. She works hard and has an impact around the ground.
VFLW Tigers skipper Jess Kennedy has marked Colwell as one to look out for in 2018.
“She is a really tough insider midfielder who’s shown a lot in the preseason, really grown, and is really investing in the team,” Kennedy said.
#63 JACQUI GRAHAM: Defender Jacqui Graham made herself known in the Anzac Challenge Cup against the Australian Defence Force when she claimed the best on ground award. Since then, Graham, a previous Bendigo Thunder player, has continued to showcase her sizzling form. The ball magnet was electric in Round 1, recording team-highs in both disposals (21) and kicks (14). The 26-year-old led Richmond’s back-six as she applied outstanding defensive pressure and locked down her opponents with ease.
Coach Hunter said Graham’s tenacity lifts the Tiger girls around her.
“She sets herself up really well behind the ball and then when she’s got it, she’s got a really good understanding of what the game needs to happen. Whether it needs to go quick, or slow down, she’s got a really good understanding of that,” Hunter said.
#62 TRISH MULLER: An exciting inclusion to the Richmond VFLW side, Trish Muller is an Australian Defence Force footballer. The practiced midfielder joins the Tigers after playing football for 10 years. The 33-year-old is also a past Eastern Devils player. Muller showed her class in Round 1 when she tallied nine kicks and laid four tackles. A tough competitor, Muller leads well and attacks the ball.
Captain Kennedy said Muller is an inspiring teammate.
“She’s really added a lot of experience. She’s got a background in the navy and her standards are super,” Kennedy said.
Richmond’s Round 2 challenge will be against the Darebin Falcons this Saturday at 1pm, to be held at the Swinburne Centre, Punt Road Oval. Richmond supporters can follow play-by-play updates on the Richmond Womens Twitter account.
Richmond VFLW Round 2 squad
B: 69 E. Burry, 77 J. Hocking, 84 L. Bieniara
HB: 70 E. Findlay, 63 J. Graham, 73 L. Davie
C: 60 K. Dempsey, 76 E. Ross, 58 C. Musico
HF: 56 E. Hogan, 64 E. Gunn, 53 K. Dixon
F: 71 L. Stephenson, 81, E. George, 86 N. Clarke
R: 80 N. Clarke, 61 J. Colwell, 52 J. Kennedy
I/C: 83 J. Gardner, 62 T. Muller, 75 B. Lynch, 59 A. Woodward, 78 V. Tonin
