RFC VFLW thread [merged]

[one-eyed]

Our girls made it a three-peat of wins today  .


2018 Swisse Wellness VFL Women's

Richmond         2.4  2.5  5.6  6.6 (42)
Melbourne Uni   0.0  2.0  2.0  2.1 (13)

GOALS:
Richmond : Colwell 2 Gardner  Wakefield  King  Bernardi
Melbourne Uni : Angelis  Ashmore

BEST:
Richmond : Woodward Davie Stephenson Colwell Kennedy Bernardi
Melbourne Uni : Gillespie-Jones Riddell Ashmore Price Grierson Cordes

https://membership.sportstg.com/results/rpt_progressive.cgi?aID=4138&pg=1&a=MR

[one-eyed]

2018 Swisse Wellness VFL Women's

Richmond   0.0  2.0  3.1  4.1 (25)
Hawthorn   0.2  4.5  4.5  4.5 (29)

GOALS:
Richmond : Wakefield  Dixon  Gunn  Louttit
Hawthorn : Gilder  Kuys  O'Donnell  Hutchins

BEST:
Richmond : Edmonds Lynch Monahan Dempsey Graham Wakefield
Hawthorn : Van Dyk Hutchins Beeson Crockett-Grills Sibley Nixon

https://membership.sportstg.com/results/rpt_progressive.cgi?aID=4138&pg=1&a=MR

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VFLW Tigers fall to Hawks

The VFLW Tigers have faced an agonising four-point loss this afternoon, falling to Hawthorn in Round 8 at the Swinburne Centre.

With six changes from their last game, it was a significantly altered line up for the Tigers. Absent from the side were a number of key players including Emma King, Sophie Conway, Lauren Tesoriero and Christina Bernardi.

But the Tigers proved their depth as they matched up to one of the most experienced teams in the league.

Richmond fought gallantly against the practiced Hawthorn outfit. While they couldn’t stage a fairytale comeback, they played to their strengths and embodied the Richmond brand of football.

It was a slow start to the game, an arm wrestle which resulted in no majors scored in the first term. While Richmond had possession for the majority of the opening quarter, they couldn’t capitalise on their efforts.

The Hawks broke clear in the second quarter as they rapidly piled on three consecutive goals. They increased their lead to 21 points, with Richmond yet to hit the scoreboard.

But the Tigers weren’t finished just yet.

Richmond’s intensity around the ball lifted and their defensive layers strengthened, giving Hawthorn restricted options when in possession. They dominated forward entry and attacked with flair.

Courtney Wakefield snagged Richmond’s first as she nailed a set shot. Soon after, Emma Gunn claimed one of her own as she goaled on the run. Then, Jacinta Louttit snapped her first in the yellow and black. By three-quarter time, the margin was narrowed to a mere 10 points.

In a gripping final few minutes, the Tigers bridged the gap to just four points, thanks to a monster goal from Kate Dixon. But while they held Hawthorn goalless for the entire second half, they had left their run too late.

Despite the loss, Coach Tom Hunter said it was pleasing to see each individual girl stick to their role.

“No matter who we put on the park, our process stands up to some really good opposition. So we’ll take away that we were very close to beating a very good side,” he said.

Hunter had a clear message to the girls at three quarter time; stay supported, stay together.

“At any stage, it didn’t look like we were disconnected from each other. We were celebrating the little wins when we were out there, we were supporting each other when it was tough. And that’s the side that we want to look like,” he said.

Hunter said the result was an opportunity for Richmond to showcase their development, after suffering a 82-point defeat to the Hawks during the practice rounds.

“We had about 10 girls that were playing in that game that played today. Their development and their growth as footballers since that practice game has just been fantastic. So it’s a real credit to the hard work that they’re putting in,” he said.

Ruckwoman Alice Edmonds was prolific for the Tigers. Her contest at stoppages and her movement around the ground were unrivalled.

“It’s very hard for anyone to touch the ball when she puts her hands up, so we’re really proud with how she’s growing and how she’s developing as a footballer,” Hunter said.

Gutsy midfielder Phoebe Monahan illustrated her stunning form once again as she topped Richmond for disposals, kicks and handballs.

Richmond’s next challenge will be Essendon at Windy Hill, next Sunday July 8 at 11.30am, another double header with the VFL.

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-07-01/vflw-tigers-fall-to-hawks

[Diocletian]

25-29...damn, sounds like I missed another thrilling shoot out....

[wayne]

Lynch in the best 

[Tigeritis™©®]

”But the Tigers proved their depth as they matched up to one of the most experienced teams in the league.
Richmond fought gallantly against the practiced Hawthorn outfit. While they couldn’t stage a fairytale comeback, they played to their strengths and embodied the Richmond brand of football”

I thought that Hawthorn, like us, only started the women’s team this year. 

How are they one of the most practiced and most experienced teams in the vfl?

[one-eyed]

Courtney Wakefield happy to help next generation of female footballers

Sunraysia Daily
Australian Community Media - Fairfax Media
5 July 2018

RICHMOND VFL Women’s footballer Courtney Wakefield says a girls’ talent day would have been great when she was a youngster wanting to play football.

The Top Hut Station-based 2016 Wentworth A Grade premiership netballer and Gol Gol footballer was among the Richmond staff and players at Wednesday's talent search at George Gordon Oval in Dareton, which the Tigers ran in conjunction with AFL Sunraysia and the Bendigo Pioneers.

“It would have been fantastic," Wakefield said.

“Obviously, I played under 11s and that was 20 years ago, there weren’t those opportunities back then and days like this weren’t around.

http://www.sunraysiadaily.com.au/story/5508004/courtney-wakefield-happy-to-help-next-generation-of-female-footballers/

[one-eyed]

Women's team lost by 8 pts. Had the breeze in the last quarter but couldn't kick straight.

2018 Swisse Wellness VFL Women's

Essendon   1.2  2.2  4.4  5.4 (34)
Richmond   0.1  3.1  3.2  3.8 (26)

GOALS:
Essendon : DeMatteo 2 Hardy  Heil  Quigley
Richmond : Kennedy  Damon  Lynch

BEST:
Essendon : Collier Nalder Neaves DeMatteo MacDonald Mackrill
Richmond : Edmonds Damon Wakefield  Burry Tesoriero Kennedy

https://membership.sportstg.com/results/rpt_progressive.cgi?aID=4138&pg=1&a=MR

[one-eyed]

VFLW: Bombers eclipse Tigers

The VFLW Tigers have been outdone by Essendon in Round 9 of the VFLW, falling to the Bombers 5.4 (34) to 3.8 (26) at Windy Hill on Sunday.

Windy Hill delivered all conditions, and certainly lived up to its name, with the girls enduring rain and blistering wind before some late sunshine.

The Bombers were vying for their first win of the season, and put the Tigers under pressure from the get-go.

Essendon took ascendancy in the opening stages of the game, hitting the scoreboard three times before Richmond’s first score. The slippery conditions made for scrappy football and the Tigers trailed by seven points at the first change.

Richmond came back roaring in the second quarter, thanks to early goals by skipper Jess Kennedy and debutant Sophie Damon. They lifted their intensity and fought forwards. Beth Lynch capitalised on a 50metre penalty and booted her first goal in the yellow and black, which cemented a five-point lead for the Tigers at halftime.

The home side returned hungry for a maiden victory, with two majors in the third term. The goals dried up for the Tigers, who were hampered by the blustery conditions, and only managed one behind. By three-quarter time the Bombers had seized an eight-point lead.

The final quarter was a tight battle. The Tigers controlled play, making the most of the advantageous wind and boosting their delivery into the forward line. But while their intensity was clear as they locked in the ball, they struggled to convert, and finished the quarter with six behinds and zero goals.  Essendon made the most of their chances and a late fourth-quarter goal sealed an eight-point win.

Coach Tom Hunter said the girls will take away some crucial lessons from the loss, which they will apply during the week.

“We give them opportunities to grow and develop on things they need to improve on. We’ll give them a clear focus on what they need to improve on to give them the best opportunity to prepare for next week against Casey.”

Murray Bushrangers young gun Sophie Damon came into the Tigers squad as their 23rd player and impressed in her yellow and black debut. She showcased her monster kick and impressive ball movement which was furthered by her much-needed goal in the second term.

“It was really exciting to see her come in and kick that goal. She played her role and what we asked her to do, she did. And I think she felt really supported by all the girls,” Hunter said.

Captain Jess Kennedy led by example as she impacted the contest and worked hard across the ground, amassing 13 touches, seven kicks and three inside-50s.

“JK is a ripper. I think it’s getting a little easier for her because the other girls are standing up and playing their roles and they know what is required of them,” Hunter said.

Alice Edmonds prevailed as Richmond’s best. The 189cm ruckwoman demonstrated her composure with ball in hand and her high work rate as she gathered 23 touches, 40 hit-outs, 14 kicks and a remarkable 16 tackles.

Richmond’s next encounter will be Casey Demons at Queen Elizabeth Oval, Bendigo on Sunday July 15 at 2:30pm.

Queen Elizabeth Oval is familiar territory for many of the Tigers, with a large contingent of the girls based in Bendigo.

“It’s fantastic for the Bendigo families to come watch the girls a little closer to home. And we love playing there,” Hunter said.

RICHMOND   0.1       3.1       3.2       3.8 (26)

ESSENDON    1.2       2.2       4.4       5.4 (34)

Goals

Richmond: Jess Kennedy, Sophie Damon, Bethany Lynch

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-07-08/vflw-bombers-eclipse-tigers

[one-eyed]

The Club held a Girls Talent Day in Mildura last Wednesday, to identify talent in its Next Generation Academy region and also the for the Tigers’ VFLW program.

The session was overseen by Richmond’s VFLW and Academy coach Tom Hunter and AFLW female football operations manager Kate Sheahan at The George Gordon Oval, Dareton.

They were assisted by Bendigo Pioneers, Murray Bushrangers and AFL Sunraysia staff, VFLW Tigers’ Courtney Wakefield and Lauren Tesoriero, Richmond CEO Brendon Gale and General Manager of Football Neil Balme.

Sheahan said female football was growing at a phenomenal rate - especially in regional areas.

“I was here this time last year and we had three girls turn up and all of a sudden we’ve got 75,” Sheahan said.

“I think female football is in a really good place. Everyone on the ground up here is doing an amazing job and you can see by the fact that 75 girls have shown up that. We’re really impressed.”

The participants, aged 14 years and over, completed a skills a drills session where they were put through kicking, marking, ground balls and contested balls, followed by a modified game.

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-07-13/mildura-girls-talent-day

[one-eyed]

Outback mum who does a 14-hour round trip to play footy aims to be a Tigers AFLW star

ABC Mildura-Swan Hill
By Simon Galletta, Andrew Schmidt and Alexandra Treloar
14 July 2018

Would you drive 1,200 kilometres to play a game of footy?

Courtney Wakefield does this road trip every week.

The 31-year-old Richmond Victoria Football League player drives to Melbourne every Friday from her home at Top Hut Station, near Pooncarie in far western New South Wales, to play the game she loves.

To some, the 14-hour round trip to kick a footy might seem excessive, but the dedicated full-forward has been waiting 20 years to strap the boots back on.

"I played footy for the Euston Bombers Under 11s side and absolutely loved it, but girls couldn't go any further than that, so I had to change to netball," Ms Wakefield said.

She hoped her story would encourage more girls in the bush to pick up the sport, no matter what challenges they face.

    "I know my situation has created a bit of attention. So hopefully I can use that for good to inspire the younger generations to have a go."

Juggling farm life, kids and a career

Ms Wakefield's journey back to the game was a challenge from day one.

She turned up to a Richmond VFL training run in Bendigo with her seven-week-old son on her hip.

"I was in a bit of a newborn haze and I did have to stop halfway to feed him," the mother of two said.

"[Richmond AFLW coach] Kate Sheahan was fully understanding of my situation and having the little baby in tow.

"There would be things I'd have to do and the club was fantastic and have been from the get go."

As for her pre-season training, there's no flash gym or complicated training schedule. Living in the country, Ms Wakefield said she made do with what she had, to get it done.

    "I just get around in my runners and sports bra and hand the kids over for half an hour and jump on to the dirt track road and run," she said.

While it took two decades to get back onto the ground, Ms Wakefield said she was grateful for the opportunities that had opened up for women who loved Australian Rules football.

"After Under 11s, there wasn't the opportunity that girls have now so we switched codes and played netball," she said.

"Given my location, age and two kids, it was going to gain attention which is fine. I want to use that in a positive light and create a pathway for future generations."

With Richmond Football Club on the prowl to head its first AFLW side in 2020, coach Kate Sheahan said scouting for AFL stars started in regional areas.

"They [women in the regions] have to find their own way, they have to come up with creative games and there's a lot of free play that occurs in regional country towns," she said.

"There's a lot of want for these girls to make it — there are a lot of hurdles they have to jump through."

With dreams to make it to Richmond's first AFLW team in 2020, Ms Wakefield said family would always come first.

"It's a goal for sure, but I'm 31 and would love to have more children. Obviously I'd love to play AFLW and for Richmond, but we'll just take it a season at a time."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-13/mother-who-travels-1200-kilometres-to-play-football/9991536

[one-eyed]

2020 vision

The four clubs joining the AFLW competition in 2020 – Gold Coast, Richmond, St Kilda and West Coast – were in attendance at the U18s AFLW Championship throughout the week, watching some of the young talent on show.

Richmond’s football operations manager Kate Sheahan said it was an information-gathering project for the Tigers.

"We have to keep an eye on the future, the game-styles and density. We had our head of strength and conditioning, head coach and our welfare manager here," Sheahan said.

"It was a really good opportunity for the staff to do some networking, learn from the other clubs, who are great at sharing information, building relationships and assessing where our VFLW team is and what the future looks like.

"This year the standard is so much higher and each year we're seeing improvements. They look like footballers, they run faster for longer. We're not looking at one player, because we don't know what the future is going to look like."

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-07-13/aflw-u18-who-won-who-starred-on-the-gold-coast

[one-eyed]

FT: Richmond are unable to hold off a fast-finishing Casey, who snatch the win with three goals in the final term.

Richmond 2.9 (21) def. by Casey Demons 5.9 (39)

https://twitter.com/richmondwomens   

[Diocletian]

Pack 'em up...

[one-eyed]

2018 Swisse Wellness VFL Women's

Richmond          0.4  0.4  2.8  2.9 (21)
Casey Demons   0.0  2.6  2.7  5.9 (39)

GOALS:
Richmond : Tesoriero  Damon
Casey Demons: Zanker 2 Guttridge 2 Sloane

BEST:
Richmond : Wakefield  Lynch Kennedy Gunn Davie Graham
Casey Demons: Harrison Clayton Smith Orgill Guttridge Sloane

https://membership.sportstg.com/results/rpt_progressive.cgi?aID=4138&pg=1&a=MR

[one-eyed]

VFLW: Tigers go down to Demons

The VFLW Tigers have suffered their third loss in as many weeks, succumbing to Casey Demons by 18 points on Sunday afternoon at Queen Elizabeth Oval, Bendigo.

Richmond welcomed the Bendigo location, with Queen Elizabeth Oval a former home ground for many of the Bendio-based Tigers.

They also introduced two debutants to the side for the clash, Tarsh Bamblett and Laura Bailey.

Richmond were imposing in the first term, as they repeatedly locked the ball in their forward 50. In a congested quarter, they thrived at the contest and kept Casey scoreless.

But, despite their forwards’ drive, the congested play meant Richmond couldn’t gain a clean shot at goal. They struggled to execute and finished the quarter with four behinds.

Casey turned the game on its head in the second term as they scored 18 points and denied Richmond any progress on the scoreboard.

The Tigers were unable to keep up with Casey’s intensity and their inaccuracy cost them. By half time, Casey had raced to a 14-point lead.

Richmond, however, returned from their half time debrief invigorated, composed, and ready for some scoreboard damage.

Spearheaded by Lauren Tesoriero and Sophie Damon, who each claimed a goal, Richmond’s players on the field began to connect and they lifted their communication.

They gained momentum and amassed a huge 16 points in the third term to take a one-point lead at the final change.

But the Tigers were unable to shake a fast-finishing Casey in the final quarter, who snapped three goals to storm away with victory.

As a result, Casey leapfrogged Richmond on the ladder, where they now sit in eighth and ninth positions respectively.

Coach Tom Hunter conceded his side struggled to consistently stick to their desired brand of football over the full four quarters.

“I think the game showed that when we play our way and stick to our processes and the way we want to look, we can be really successful. When we came away from the way we wanted to look, it allowed the opposition into the game,” he said.

But he said the game still outlined many positives, and, most importantly, identified areas to polish.

Hunter praised Courtney Wakefield’s work rate in the forward line, where she collected 14 touches, 10 kicks and five marks.

“Courtney continues to just play her role. She works so hard and we really value what she brings to the side,” he said.

Ever-reliable defender Jacqui Graham had another prolific game in the yellow and black. Her gutsy nature and dominance in possession was on show as she amassed 18 disposals, 10 kicks and eight handballs.

Classy midfielder Lauren Tesoriero played a pivotal role for Richmond, who was dangerous with ball in hand. She lifted her teammates’ intensity around the field as she totalled a team-high performance in disposals (25), kicks (14) and handballs (11).

Richmond’s Round 11 challenge is third-placed NT Thunder, who they will play back at home next Saturday July 21 at 12:00pm.

Coach Hunter said returning to Tigerland after a few weeks on the road should reignite his side’s sense of identity.

“We love coming to Bendigo but to be able to be back at Punt Road, have the rooms that we train at and where we play more often than not, it just gives that sense of familiarity and we really see a confidence in the girls,” he said.

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-07-16/vflw-tigers-go-down-to-demons