Tigers eye “multifaceted midfield”By Luke Sicari
RFC website
Aug 16, 2025Richmond AFLW coach Ryan Ferguson has praised the strong midfield combination of Monique Conti and Ellie McKenzie, as the Tigers search for the perfect mix to complement the star duo.
Conti recorded a game-high 32 disposals in Richmond’s season opening loss to Sydney on Friday night, with her incredible performance also including 22 contested possessions, nine inside-50s, seven tackles, seven intercepts and five score involvements.
McKenzie’s impressive work was reflected by 20 disposals, eight clearances and six tackles, as she battled against fellow number one draft pick Montana Ham.
Speaking after the 20-point defeat, Ferguson lauded the Conti-McKenzie duo and is hoping the entire midfield group can build on some positive signs shown.
"'Mon worked her way into the game really well," Ferguson said.
"She got some good attention early and just knows she can work into the game in lots of different ways. Her tackling pressure set a standard for the team.
"When she's tackling and putting pressure on, as well as winning the ball and getting the ball forward, that's a really hard player to stop.
"It was really good to see Mon and Ellie working in combination together. We need some more support around that to make sure we've got a little bit more of a multifaceted midfield.
"Grace Egan’s worked her way back, really positive signs to see her and I thought in the last quarter she really started to get going. To be able to add her into the mix and make sure we can get that unit working a bit more in sync together…there were some signs there for sure."
Two heartwarming moments from the clash included Katelyn Cox’s return from an ACL injury for her first AFLW game in 649 days and key defender Bec Miller moving forward and kicking two goals, recording her first major after 52 career games.
Ferguson emphasised the significance of Cox being back on the field.
"What she has gone through, how hard she has worked to get back, it’s important for her to remember that she did a lot of good things and you’re playing footy again on the big stage with a big crowd," he said.
"She’s a bit disappointed we lost the game and others are too, but you’re back going again and you’ve worked really hard for this, so make sure you enjoy that too."
The coach also revealed Miller has trained up forward at times during the preseason and placing her in attack is something the Tigers have up their sleeve if needed.
Richmond’s attention now turns to the home opener against the Western Bulldogs at IKON Park next Sunday at 12:35pm.
"We got to hold our nerve and make sure we are more consistent across the four quarters," Ferguson said.
"We’ve improved, we are a better team than we were last year, but we know other teams are better also. That’s the trajectory of the competition at the moment.
"It’s feeling it again…it’s one thing knowing it, it’s feeling it."
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1864317/tigers-eye-multifaceted-midfield
