Tigers snare AFLW double chance with draw

Roger Vaughan | October 30, 2022

The jubilation in the Richmond coaches’ box at the final siren told the story of their AFLW draw with North Melbourne.

After three barren seasons, the Tigers secured fourth spot and the double chance with Sunday’s 4.3 (27) to 3.9 (27) result in blustery conditions at Arden St.

It sets up a qualifying final against top side Brisbane, one of the victims in the seven-game winning streak before Sunday that rocketed Richmond into their first finals series.

The pulsating clash in front of 3147 fans was worthy of what was at stake, with Richmond, North and Geelong in contention for fourth spot.

The Kangaroos dropped to eighth and will now head to Geelong next weekend for an elimination final.

“Even today, to be involved in this game where win or lose, we were fighting for a top-four spot in the last round – we haven’t been involved in these sorts of games,” said Tigers coach Ryan Ferguson.

“We’re just trying to ride the momentum.”

Richmond rushed a behind late in the last quarter to tie the scores, after North had kicked the only goal of the term.

North had to win by a couple of goals to take fourth spot from Geelong, who put themselves into double chance contention with Saturday’s 75-point mauling of Sydney.

But the Kangaroos started poorly and Richmond should have led by more than 10 points at the main break.

While North were much better in the third quarter, bad goalkicking cost them dearly and they only managed 1.5 for the term.

“Where we were most disappointed was early in the game – we felt like the first quarter, the Tiges jumped out of the blocks, their pressure was really good,” said North coach Darren Crocker.

“We didn’t handle that as well as we would have liked.

“But what our players should take out of it is that it’s not like we were playing really poorly.

“We’re playing some bloody good football and football that should really hold up under finals pressure.”

Richmond forward Ellie McKenzie was outstanding with two goals, while Meg Macdonald shut down North star Jasmine Garner in a crucial hard tag.

“She’s been up for every task she’s had this season – that was a pretty cool effort from her,” Ferguson said.

“It just gave us a chance, really.”

Mia King and Ash Riddell were best for the Kangaroos.

North’s Erika O’Shea has an eye injury, while Mia King (back) and Tahlia Randall (ankle) returned to the game after they were hurt.

The Kangaroos should regain captain Emma Kearney (knee) and Kim Rennie (health and safety) for the elimination final.