Essendon v Richmond PreviewLast time they met: Essendon 8.5 (53) defeated Richmond 5.6 (36), round seven, 2023
Ryan Ferguson's side needs a win to keep the charging pack at bay, and the occasion being Dreamtime in the Top End for the first time means there are plenty of storylines in this one. Tigers captain Katie Brennan is a test to play, after hurting her ankle in last week's loss to Narrm, and they will need her in action to be in their best place to win. There is a perfect storm brewing in Essendon's front half for this one, too, with the Tigers the third-tightest defence in the League this year, and the Bombers the worst side at converting inside 50 entries into scores. Essendon works to possess the footy, take marks around the ground, and generally move the ball slowly, which will open the door for the Tigers' backs to settle into their structures and block paths for the forwards.
Ellie McKenzie looms as a danger player, with her line-breaking run and important delivery going forward, so a plan to limit her output by Natalie Wood's side wouldn't go astray. The obvious choice to provide some close checking would be co-captain Steph Cain, whose size and running capacity can match the young star. Meanwhile the Tigers will have a concern of their own, with Bombers defender Maddi Gay having the best season of her career, and largely dictating play coming out of the back half. Playing this season as a pressure forward, this could be a task for Sarah Hosking, against her old teammate no less.
Tip: The Tigers will keep their top four hopes alive. Richmond by seven points.
https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1248412/w9-preview-clash-of-the-titans-indigenous-round-takes-centre-stage