WITH both teams seeking their first win in 2021, Friday night’s clash between Geelong and Richmond at Kardinia Park was one of the most crucial games of the season, and it was Richmond who came out on top to claim its first ever competitive win in the AFLW. The historic game for the club was a heavily one-sided affair in which the Tigers never looked like losing, keeping Geelong scoreless in the first half, whilst adding six majors of their own. The complete team performance saw their first victory come by a 47-point margin, 9.6 (60) to 2.1 (13)

The opening goal came from Richmond’s Gabrielle Seymour, receiving a free kick and a 50-meter penalty from a ruck contest. Richmond made the most of the momentum from the goal, controlling the rest of the quarter with a well set up backline ready to sweep up anything exiting the forward 50. The only time Geelong looked close to breaking out, was when young forward Stephanie Williams got free and started streaming towards the forward 50, but Richmonds Akec Makur Chuot was relentless in her pursuit and laid a nice rundown tackle to stop the attack in its tracks. The Tigers went into the break leading by 13 thanks to Courtney Wakefield’s one goal and one behind.

The second quarter wasn’t any easier for Geelong, with an injury to reigning best and fairest Olivia Purcell forcing her off for the remainder of the game. Geelong struggled to create any drive through their midfield and despite the best efforts of their defence, it became open season for Richmond who did well to force turn overs inside forward 50 and create scoring opportunities. We saw Wakefield add to her tally, as well as Ellie McKenzie, Katie Brennan and Sabrina Fredrick getting involved with their firsts for the game.

The third term brought the Cats’ first goal through the effort of Richelle Cranston, who got a boot to ball mid-tackle. That was the spark Geelong needed, bringing a much higher pace and pressure style that made Richmond noticeably more rushed. The Tigers got used to it though, highlighted with number one draft pick, McKenzie selling some candy to multiple Geelong players, and then going for a four-bounce run along the wing, leading to a goal for Kodi Jacques. With that, it was one goal each for the quarter for both sides, with the Tigers leading by 40 going into the final break.

By the time the last quarter began, the Cats had been up against an onslaught of Richmond attacks all game, and the Tigers were playing with the confidence of a team that was very clearly excited about getting its first win. Tigers captain, Brennan got one early in the quarter to extend the lead and remove any remaining doubt. The remainder of the quarter was relatively quiet compared to the rest of the game, with Cat Amy McDonald getting her first AFLW goal and Brennan getting her third for the game with 10 seconds to spare. 

Monique Conti led the game for disposals with 26, with Brennan (17 disposals, five marks and three goals) and McKenzie (16, five and one) also very impressive in the victory, splitting time between forward and midfield. The Tigers also had strong contributions from Harriet Cordner (14 disposals, seven marks and three tackles) and Sarah D’Arcy (16, four and two) coming out of the backline. For Geelong,  Amy McDonald and Renee Garing led the disposal count with 17 apiece, with McDonald also managing to get herself a goal.

GEELONG 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 2.1 (13)
RICHMOND 2.1 | 6.3 | 7.4 | 9.6 (60)

GOALS:

Geelong: R. Cranston, A. McDonald
Richmond: K. Brennan 3, C. Wakefield 2, E. McKenzie, S. Frederick, G. Seymour, K. Jacques

DC BEST:

Geelong: A. McDonald, M. McDonald, R. Garing, D. Higgins, D. Taylor
Richmond: M. Conti, K. Brennan, E. McKenzie, C. Wakefield, S. Hosking

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Image Credit: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images via AFL Photos