Richmond AFLW coach Ryan Ferguson is targeting a four-quarter performance as the Tigers head into Friday night’s final round clash with the Bulldogs.
Ferguson, as he has all year, said the Tigers would focus on consistency of effort rather than the potential for a fourth win in five weeks, which would see the Tigers finish as high as eighth on the AFLW ladder.
“We are really excited about this week’s game,” he said, speaking to the media on Sunday.
“The biggest thing I have been impressed with about this group is their consistency with effort. That was the one thing I really wanted to see (this year).
“Regardless of the scoreboard, regardless of ups and downs, I just wanted to see us stick to our game and continue to improve and be consistent in those behaviours.
“That all season has not dropped at all, I have been really happy with that, and we have got another week to try and improve our game (and that) is what we will be focusing on (this week).”
A key interest point of the contest will be Katie Brennan and Monique Conti’s return to Whitten Oval, albeit two years after they left their first AFLW club.
Brennan, who also captained the Bulldogs, is coming into the game in career-best form, having booted 11 goals across the past five weeks whilst also averaging 15 disposals.
“Katie is growing with the group, learning with the group,” Ferguson explained.
“She has been an unbelievable leader for us. She has been outstanding; her character has shone through this year and probably last year, to be fair.
“She leads the way with the way she tries to grow her game and improve, and that has been a standout feature.”
Ferguson also praised the work of recruit Sarah D’Arcy who has not only made a successful transition to Richmond but to a new role across half-back, having played as a marking forward at Collingwood for four seasons.
“We struggled to win the ball back last year (with) intercept possessions and intercept marks,” he explained.
“We thought she might be able to give us something there (because) she reads the ball really well, and she is competitive.
“She is proving to be a really good half-back intercept marker, and she is poised, competitive, and resilient. She has given us plenty.”
