Richmond has been defeated by Carlton in their inaugural AFLW match, losing by 34 points in the 2020 season opener at Ikon Park on Friday night. 

Having kept the Blues at bay in the early stages of the contest, last year’s grand finallists eventually kicked away to claim victory 6.12 (48) to 2.2 (14). 

The Blues had nine scoring shots yet converted just one goal as the Tigers held on desperately. All the while, they kept their opponents goalless at the other end.

Carlton's co-captain, Katie Loynes, eventually slotted the season's opening goal late in the first quarter, but it didn't bring about a scoring spree. In fact, it created more tension as both teams searched for quality in front of goal.

Neither side could convert in a scrappy second term, with the Blues only managing to stretch their lead to 12 points by the main break. 

Eventually, the floodgates opened. Four unanswered Carlton goals in the third quarter created the type of buffer its control over the match warranted. 

Richmond finally kicked its maiden AFLW goal through marquee recruit Sabrina Frederick midway through the final term, while Courtney Wakefield added another for the hosts, but by that point the scoreboard damage had been done.

The moment
It might not have been Richmond's night, but the crowd – which was in excess of 15,000 people – was brought to its feet when recruit Sabrina Frederick finally slotted the club's first ever AFLW goal. After a strong mark in transition, Frederick went back and slotted a calm set shot from 35m out. It was a moment to remember for the proud Tiger faithful.

One to watch
The ball didn't find its way to Richmond's forward line too often on Friday night, but when it did Courtney Wakefield was a constant presence. Able to take a strong mark above her head, Wakefield claimed seven grabs and also kicked a clever goal. Baulking around her opponent, she slotted on the run from 30m out to claim the team's second major for the night.

Say what?
"It would have been nice to have a real positive result on the scoreboard. We spoke about it after the game, but it was one of those nights when it was just a little bit bigger than footy. For the Richmond Football Club to have a women’s side run out for the first time, in their inaugural season, in front of so many yellow and black supporters tonight … it meant a lot to a lot of people."
- Richmond coach Tom Hunter.

What's next?
Richmond heads to Queensland to meet fellow newcomers Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday evening.

RICHMOND     0.0    0.2     0.2     2.2     (14)
CARLTON         1.5    1.8     5.9    6.12    (48)

GOALS
Richmond: Frederick, Wakefield
Carlton: Loynes, Vescio, Walker, Harris, Prespakis, Downie

BEST
Richmond: Conti, Makur Chuot, Bernardi, Monahan, Wakefield
Carlton: Prespakis, McEvoy, Moody, Plane, Harris, Loynes, Gee

INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Carlton: Nil

Reports: Nil

Crowd: 15,337 at Ikon Park