Richmond will head to St Kilda’s home deck this Saturday, as the two expansion sides battle it out at RSEA Park from 5.10pm.
The Tigers are still on the hunt for their inaugural AFLW victory, while the Saints will be looking to notch their second win.
WHERE AND WHEN:
RSEA Park, Moorabbin
Saturday, March 14
5:10pm AEDT
GAME DAY HUB:
For all match day information, click here
KEY POINTS:
- The Saints have recruited well, and Peta Searle’s side is jelling in its opening season. With three NAB Rising Star nominations in five rounds, going to Georgia Patrikios, Caitlin Greiser and Olivia Vesely, the Saints’ youngsters have become some of their most important players. They also boast experienced talent in midfielders Nat Exon and Cat Phillips.
- Young gun Patrikios, 18, will be one for the Tigers to watch out for. Following her Rising Star nomination in her debut AFLW match, the midfielder has gone on to become her team’s leading ball winner, averaging 16 disposals per game.
- Despite their 1-4 record, St Kilda have been competitive this season. They have performed strongly their home base, where they recorded an upset Round 3 maiden victory against Melbourne. The Saints also fell one-point short of Fremantle in Moorabbin in Round 4, in what was the closest any team has come to beating the undefeated ladder-toppers. They produced a gutsy effort in their loss to Carlton last week and will be hoping to receive some reward for their consistency, in what will be their final home game of the year.
- Richmond has made five changes for the clash, bringing in a trio of debutants as well as key forward Courtney Wakefield and tough midfielder Alana Woodward. St Kilda will regain the services of midfielder Jess Sedunary and defenders Tamara Luke and Claudia Whitfort. Tigers skipper Katie Brennan will miss her second game as she continues to recover from concussion, while the Saints will be without gun forward Kate McCarthy due to injury.
KEY MATCH-UP:
Akec Makur Chuot v Caitlin Greiser
Rebounding defender Makur Chuot has been an integral cog in the Tigers’ backline this season. The 27-year-old, who is ranked seventh in the competition for rebound 50s, is composed with ball in hand and brings impressive dash off half-back. Greiser became a cult hero for the Saints in Round 3 when she produced a match-winning performance that included a huge bomb from outside the 50-metre arc, earning herself a NAB Rising Star nomination. Potent in attack, the 21-year-old is the Saints’ leading goalkicker.
