Clever midfielder/defender Kate Dempsey will make her AFLW debut against GWS at Robertson Oval, Wagga Wagga on Saturday afternoon.
Dempsey, who was pre-selected by the Club as an Academy player for the 2019 NAB AFLW Draft (pick no. 85 overall), has been a part of the Richmond Women’s program since its inception.
The 24-year-old, who was unavailable for selection in the first four rounds due to a back injury, will be a welcome addition to the Tigers’ line-up with her excellent foot skills and decision making. She will be Richmond's 14th debutant of the year.
The Tigers will be bolstered by the return of livewire forward Tayla Stahl, who suffered a hamstring injury in Round 2.
Tough midfielder Lauren Tesoriero will also inject some experience into Richmond’s side after missing Round 4 through general soreness.
Out of the side that were defeated by Geelong last Saturday by 22 points are Katie Brennan and Courtney Wakefield, who are both recovering from concussion and Alana Woodward, who has been omitted.
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Vice-captain Christina Bernardi will skipper the Tigers in Brennan’s absence.
Saturday will also mark Bernardi’s 25th AFLW outing, making her just the second AFLW Tiger to achieve the milestone after Sabrina Frederick notched up 25 games in Round 2.
Richmond’s two emergencies for the Giants clash are Woodward and Nekaela Butler.
The first bounce at Robertson Oval is set for 5.10pm.
Richmond’s Round 5 team:
B: 28. Gabrielle Seymour, 34. Akec Makur Chuot
HB: 15. Rebecca Miller, 20. Holly Whitford, 2. Phoebe Monahan
C: 9. Hannah Burchell, 4. Monique Conti, 19. Kate Dempsey
HF: 14. Sabrina Frederick, 12. Laura Bailey, 6. Christina Bernardi
F: 16. Laura McClelland, 24. Tayla Stahl
Foll: 11. Alice Edmonds, 1. Sophie Molan, 43. Grace Campbell
I/C: 18. Sarah Sansonetti, 17. Ella Wood, 10. Kodi Jacques, 7. Lauren Tesoriero, 5. Maddy Brancatisano
Emg: 13. Alana Woodward, 22. Nekaela Butler
In: Kate Dempsey, Lauren Tesoriero, Tayla Stahl
Out: Alana Woodward (omitted), Katie Brennan (concussion), Courtney Wakefield (concussion)
