Tigers too tough in AFLW clash

Richmond players celebrate one of the three goals captain Katie Brennan kicked during the first quarter of the AFL Women's match played against the Sydney Swans at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium. Photo: Brad Greenshields

RICHMOND produced an almost unstoppable first quarter to set up a convincing victory over the Sydney Swans in the first elite level match played for premiership points in Coffs Harbour.

Led by captain Katie Brennan who kicked three first first quarter goals, the Tigers’ midfield enjoyed some gold-standard service from ruck Poppy Kelly who provided plenty of ball for a midfield boasting Ellie McKenzie and Monique Conti to constantly clear the ball away from any congested situations.

The 30-point quarter time lead Richmond built was never threatened during the AFLW clash at C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

Brennan’s three goals were complemented by two each from Maddy Shevlin, Sarah Hosking and Mackenzie Ford.

McKenzie was best afield with a career-high 23 disposals, with Grace Egan (19 touches) and  Kelly (38 hitouts) also outstanding.

Montana Ham (two goals) was a shining light in attack for the Swans and Laura Gardiner worked tirelessly for a game-high 29 touches.

Richmond coach Ryan Ferguson was extremely pleased with the Tigers five unanswered goals in the first quarter.

“I really like getting out of the blocks early, you’re not going to always put that many goals on an opposition but when you get the chance you need to be able to do that,” Ferguson said.

“But it was more just setting the tone in the way that we played, our hunt of the ball, our pressure was immense early so we were winning the contested ball but they had no time and space and that just allowed us to get territory dominance and then some composure with our disposal allowed us to get some scoreboard pressure which was huge.”

Sydney Swans coach Scott Gowans admitted his side was down on personnel with defender Alana Woodward a late withdrawal due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Be that as it may, Gowans was full of praise for the opposition.

“Credit to Richmond. Richmond put the foot to the floor and gave us a lesson in uncontested footy and spread from the contest and the territory game,” Gowans said.

“We got a good lesson today.”

Gowans and the Sydney Swans have become regular visitors to Coffs Harbour in recent times and he said the trip north is always an enjoyable one.

“It’s a great facility and a great ground. Everyone’s so welcoming and I hope we can come back here a little bit more,”  he said.

“It’s a beautiful surface to play on and a good size. Apart from the result it’s been a good weekend.”

SYDNEY             0.1   2.2   3.4   3.4 (22)
RICHMOND        5.1   7.1   8.3   10.8 (68)

GOALS
Sydney: Ham 2, Cooper
Richmond: Brennan 3, Ford 2, Hosking 2, Shevlin 2, Greiser

BEST
Sydney: Ham, Gardiner, McEvoy, Hurley
Richmond: McKenzie, Brennan, Egan, Kelly, Sheerin, Conti