Round 9 Preview: Richmond vs GeelongGemma Bastiani
womens.afl
27 October 2023In four meetings between these two sides, Richmond has won just once – in its first ever win back in 2021. When they played off in round one last season, what was eventual All-Australian Eilish Sheerin's debut, the Cats fell over the line by four points thanks to a controversial Georgie Prespakis goal at the death. In their first matchup at Ikon Park this weekend, however, everything is on the line for last season's two big improvers, who are currently separated only by percentage in the middle of the ladder.
The Cats are likely to use the width of the ground better, employing the likes of Nina Morrison and Mikayla Bowen outside the contest and sending the ball into marking forwards like Chloe Scheer, Jackie Parry, and Aishling Moloney. Meanwhile the Tigers have a less-than-positive record at their makeshift home ground, winning just two games from nine starts at the venue. Typically, this season Geelong has started strong and faded as the game has worn on, while the Tigers just need to be within touching distance heading into the last quarter. It is for this reason that the Cats need to make the most of any early dominance they enjoy, punishing Richmond on the scoreboard to put the game out of reach come the fourth term.
Tip: The Cats will make it four from five. Geelong by 13 points.
https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1057275/full-r9-preview-norths-mental-barrier-six-games-to-shape-the-eight
