The VFLW Tigers have taken out the Women’s Anzac Challenge Cup against the Australian Defence Force All Stars in a one-point thriller on Wednesday afternoon at the Swinburne Centre.
The win, 6.5 (41) to 6.4 (40), marked back-to-back victories in the fixture for Richmond, after prevailing in the Anzac Challenge Cup last year.
MEMBERSHIP Become one of the Club's first inaugural Women's Football Foundation members
It didn’t come easy, however. While the Tigers held a healthy lead for the majority of the match, they were threatened by a late surge from the ADF All Stars which saw the margin cut to just one point in the dying minutes.
A match-saving mark by Akec Makur Chuot was enough to seal Richmond’s win, with the defender going on to receive the best on ground award.
Makur Chuot was prolific for the Tigers, utilising her run off half-back as she notched 15 touches and four uncontested marks.
Also leading the way for Richmond was Alana Woodward (17 touches, 16 tackles) and Tayla Stahl (three goals, 15 touches).
Key forward Courtney Wakefield was back for her first game in the Yellow and Black since breaking her collarbone in Round 12 last year. She returned to the forward line with style as she slotted her first goal of the year.
Jess Kennedy, Richmond’s 2018 VFLW best and fairest winner, was also influential with her pressure around the ball and football nous, collecting 12 disposals.
The Tigers will take confidence out of the win as they approach their Round 1 clash against Darebin on May 11.
BROWSE Find a 2019 membership package suited to you
This year’s VFLW team will feature a mix of fresh and familiar faces, and is also set to be bolstered by some of the Club’s recent AFLW signings.
