The VFLW Tigers have registered a thrilling three-point win over Melbourne Uni in Round 4 at Arden Street Oval on Saturday.
The 5.7 (37) to 4.10 (34) victory marks the third consecutive win this season for the undefeated Tigers.
Richmond got off to a powerful start, holding Melbourne Uni goalless for the first half as the Tigers established an 18-point lead.
The Tigers created many opportunities for goal, and Tayla Stahl-Smith, Akec Makur Chuot, and Laura Bailey all scored majors before the half-time break.
Richmond worked hard to lock the ball in its forward half, with Alice Edmonds and Jenna Colwell's perseverance in the ruck giving the Tiger midfielders first use.
SONG Watch the VFLW girls sing the club song after defeating Melbourne Uni on Saturday
The home side brought plenty of ferocity to the field, and the Tigers worked hard to shake their persistent tackles.
But a resurgent Melbourne Uni kicked two goals late in the third quarter, capitalising on its inside-50 marks as the Mugars worked their way back into the game.
At three-quarter time, the Mugars had narrowed the margin to just four points as the Tigers struggled to counter their momentum.
The final quarter proved to be a nail-biter, with both teams scoring two goals apeice.
But the Tigers lifted their intensity to hold on for a three-point win.
VFLW Coach Tom Hunter said while the Tigers' pressure "fell away a bit in the third", the team persevered and finished on a high note.
“We probably let ourselves down in the third quarter. But full credit to our girls, they fully responded to the challenge and got the job done in the end,” Hunter said.
"(At three-quarter time) we just wanted to remind the girls [how] we wanted to look and behave.”
Richmond AFLW forward recruit Katie Brennan, who debuted as a Tiger last week, rose to the challenge and excelled in the final quarter.
Hunter said Brennan, who finished with 26 disposals, eight tackles and a goal, is a strong asset to the team.
“We’re really lucky that we have Katie at the Club, and we’re really proud that she wants to be a Richmond person,” Hunter said.
Grace Campbell also produced a stellar performance, collecting 19 disposals and laying 12 tackles.
Hunter said Campbell’s forward pressure was emblematic of a Richmond player.
“She’s got fantastic pressure. That’s our brand and that’s what we want to pride ourselves on,” he said.
The girls were cheered on by some of Richmond's AFLW recruits from the sidelines, including Sabrina Frederick.
Hunter said he was pleased to see the the team bolstered by Richmond’s strong support network.
“[The VFLW and AFLW] are essentially one program at the Richmond Football Club. We really pride ourselves on being able to connect and support each other,” he said.
The Tigers will look to keep their winning streak alive next Saturday, June 8 when they face Geelong in Round 5. The match will be held at the Swinburne Centre, with the first bounce set for 2.30pm.
