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A three-goal haul from Richmond captain Katie Brennan has powered the Tigers to a 6.5 (41) to 4.2 (26) win over the Gold Coast Suns in just their second victory in the AFLW.
After a winless debut season, the Tigers had to wait more than a year for their first victory but notched a second in just a fortnight after beating the luckless Suns, who have lost all seven games this season.
After five weeks away from home, the Suns returned to Metricon Stadium and started strongly, notching seven inside 50s in the first quarter and booting the first goal of the match.
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But the Tigers surged in the second term, kicking two goals three to take a 15-point margin to halftime.
The Suns got within three points in the second term but could not hold the Tigers, with Brennan’s third goal all but sealing the match for the visitors.
“It’s an awesome time, we’re really proud of our group,” Brennan said.
“We knew the Suns were going to bring the heat tonight and I’m really proud of the way we stood up against a strong outfit.”
CAPTAIN COURAGEOUS
The Tigers regained former All Australian midfielder Monique Conti after she missed the clash against North Melbourne last week and while she was among their best, it was Brennan who proved the difference.
She locked the scores up at the opening break with her first goal and added another before halftime to give her side a matchwinning lead.
Her third took her season tally to nine and after a period of wayward kicking, she is now among the league’s leaders this season.
DRAFT LEADER SHINES
Ellie McKenzie showed why she was so highly sought in the draft, playing a mature role in the Tigers’ win.
The teen kicked a goal but more than that, played a leading hand in the win, showing how comfortable she now is among the game’s best.
LEVI SHINES ON RETURN
Forward Maddison Levi made a welcome return to the Suns’ side after missing last week’s loss to Adelaide with a knee injury and was on song, kicking two goals.
Without star midfielder Jamie Stanton, who fractured her leg last week, first-year player Levi was under pressure to perform and she responded, kicking the first goal of the match and getting her side back in the game early in the second half.
The former Rugby Sevens star has made a strong transition to the professional AFLW ranks and while the Suns are struggling, she can be a force in their future.
SCOREBOARD
RICHMOND 6.5 (41)
GOLD COAST 4.2 (26)
Goals
Richmond: Brennan 3, Wakefield, Bernadi, McKenzie
Gold Coast: Levi 2, Surman, Virgo
Best
Richmond: Conti, Lavey, Brennan, McKenzie
Gold Coast: Howarth, Drennan, Levi, Surman, Ahrens
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