Richmond AFLW coach Tom Hunter says consistency is key for the Tigers, as they look to build on the positive signs they showed in Sunday’s loss to the Kangaroos.
"It took us until after half-time to get the game the way we wanted it. I think the third quarter showed glimpses of the type of game we can play and the side we're going to become," Hunter said post-game.
"For us, as a young side, it's about getting that consistency across the game, in terms of quarters but also the moments and passages with ball in hand and defending.
"(North Melbourne) kicked two goals in the first quarter, we had three behinds, the opportunities were there."
While the Kangaroos kicked away in the second quarter, Hunter was pleased with his team’s response in the third, as Richmond equalised North’s performance with two goals apiece that term.
"To be able to play the game we know we can play (in that quarter), is pretty pleasing," Hunter said.
"But full credit to (North Melbourne), their second quarter was fantastic. They just seemed to have the answers."
Defender and deputy vice captain Phoebe Monahan agreed there was noticeable improvement within the side and longer periods of competitiveness.
"To put it back into perspective, it’s our first season, game three," Monahan said.
"We have shown patches of the way we want to play but as 'Tommy' said, it's a matter of being consistent and making the most of our moments when they do come.
"We're really looking forward to next week and the rest of the season to do that, put those things into practice and trust the process that we're going to get there."
Hunter was full of praise for tough midfielder Grace Campbell, who racked up 11 touches and laid 10 tackles in just her second AFLW match.
"We love what Campbell brings to our side…her endeavour and her intent is fantastic, her energy and enthusiasm to defend is fantastic," he said.
"She gives us a great contest and pressure around the football and like us, she's a really good example of putting more patches together for longer and being more successful that way."
Monahan said it has been promising to see some of the other expansion sides make a statement against established clubs.
"(It) grows that belief that we have every opportunity to do that as well, we just need to be more consistent on the field, make the most of our moments and we'll get the win too," Monahan said.
