Tigers suffer a case of the debut blues in AFLW openerJon Pierik
The Age
8th February 2020CARLTON 1.5 1.8 5.9 6.12 (48)
RICHMOND 0.0 0.2 0.2 2.2 (14)
GOALS - Carlton: Downie, Walker, Vescio, Loynes, Prespakis, Harris.
Richmond: Frederick-Traub, Wakefield.
BEST - Carlton: McEvoy, Prespakis, Moody, Plane, Harris, Loynes.
Richmond: Conti, Makur Chuot, Bernardi, Monahan, Wakefield.
CROWD 15,337 at Ikon Park.
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The Tiger army failed to show up in full voice as Richmond’s AFLW coming out party was spoiled by Carlton before a modest turnout at Ikon Park last night.
There was no reprise of the famous lock-out that kick-started the first season, 2017, when 24,568 crammed into the Blues’ spiritual home on a warm evening to watch the home side take on Collingwood.
The AFL had hoped there would be major turnout as this was the debut of powerhouse Richmond, a club with more than 100,000 members, but league officials had to be content with an official attendance of 15,337 in what was a Tigers’ home game.
The Blues posted a 34-point victory – the Tigers with work to do on the field and off it in ensuring there is a strong turn-out come their next home game, in round three against North Melbourne.
While the Tigers were beaten 6.12 (48) to 2.2 (14), this was more than just about chasing the premiership points on offer. This was a historic night, one of four new teams to join the competition this season.
Tigers president Peggy O’Neal said the clash was the realisation of two years of hard work.
‘‘(This) is the culmination of wishing, hoping and hard work. It’s an understatement to say that staff have worked tirelessly to build the women’s program. Everyone in the competition knows it’s no mean feat to build a professional team from scratch,’’ O’Neal said.
Target testingNo one can question the intent of AFLW players, that shown with the ferocious tackling and heavy knocks, but it’s the ability to use the ball well, particularly under pressure, that remains the biggest challenge.
Until that improves, the lack of goal scoring will remain an issue. Courtney Wakefield’s shank from 20 metres out in the third term – having completed another strong mark – highlighted the Tigers’ woes.
Little to roar aboutThe Tigers needed to make a splash in the first term but they were fortunate to still be in the contest come the first break.
Key movers Katie Brennan, former Western Bulldog and WNBL basketballer Monique Conti and Sabrina Frederick had little impact, the Tigers failing to score. Conti worked her way into the contest but Brennan, no doubt, would have liked to have done more, finishing with 10 touches.
The Blues dominated with the no-nonsense style that was such a success last season when they made the grand final. The Blues had injury issues in the first term – Darcy Vescio had her quad strapped and Madison Prespakis weathered a heavy knock – but they took control by logging 1.5. The lone goal came when co-captain Katie Loynes was awarded a free kick and converted from 25 metres.
Premiership quarterThe Blues’ dominance extended into the second and third terms, at one stage they boasted an 18-3 advantage in inside 50s. For the record books, skipper Brennan, in a new role through the midfield, posted the Tigers’ opening score – but it was a point on the run from about 48 metres. Both teams were goalless in the second term but the Blues’ extended their advantage to 12 points.
For the older Blues’ fans on hand, they would remember how third terms during the glory days of the 1980s were dubbed the ‘‘premiership quarter’’. That was the case last night, for the Blues booted four goals.
It wasn’t until the the final term when Frederick marked and converted from about 35 metres that the Tigers had their first goal – and the relief was palpable.
DominantThe Blues had winners all over the ground. Tayla Harris, Lucy McEvoy and Sarah Hosking found plenty of the ball while Prespakis, last year’s rising star winner, appears set for another superb season. For the Tigers, Phoebe Monahan made a statement.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tigers-suffer-a-case-of-the-debut-blues-in-aflw-opener-20200207-p53ymx.html
