Recap of last season
After finishing 11th on the ladder last season, the Tigers are ready to make a statement to the rest of the competition and to make finals in their fourth season in the AFLW.
The Tigers had a strong offseason, including the pick-ups of Steph Williams (Geelong), Grace Egan (Carlton) and WNBL player Saraid Taylor.
Richmond's 8.4 (52) dominant 44-point pre-season win over Hawthorn 1.2 (8) has given a glimpse of what the Tigers are capable of this season and how much they have improved.
How did they do last season?
11th, three wins, seven losses
Richmond started their season terrifically last year with a dominant 38-point win over the Saints in Round 1, although it would take another six weeks for the Tigers to claim their second win.
Richmond's midfield and their defence were solid, although their goal efficiency would cost the Tigers wins throughout the season.
The Tigers have shown that when they are efficient in front of goals, they can be dangerous and covert high scores of 10.1 (61) and 10.8 (68).
How can they improve?
After a terrific start to the season on the scoreboard last season, the Tigers started to drop off and struggle to covert multiple goals onto the scoreboard.
In four matches last season, the Tigers scored a combined five goals, which is disappointing, 1.3 (9), 1.4 (10), 2.6 (18), and 1.7 (13). It comes too with the Tigers' poor goal efficiency, which had cost them wins throughout the season.
Since entering the competition in 2020, the Tigers have not played finals and have struggled to convert on the scoreboard. This is a crucial area where the Tigers need to improve if they want to win more games and play finals for the first time.
List Changes
Richmond were very busy throughout their trade period and arguably had the best results. The Tigers' list is stacked with gun players signing and will see the Tigers as a threat.
Ins: Steph Williams (Geelong), Grace Egan (Carlton), Libby Graham (GWS Giants), Jemima Woods (Western Bulldogs), Saraid Taylor (WNBL Basketballer), Charley Ryan (pick 38), Eilish Sheerin (pick 58), and Katelyn Cox (pick 60).
Outs: Christina Bernardi (delisted), Sarah Sansonetti (delisted), Hannah McLaren (delisted), Lilish Ross (delisted), Sarah Dargan (Sydney), Ingrid Houtsma (Geelong), Tayla Stahl (retiring).
Biggest strength
Monique Conti will be so engaging for everyone to watch this season. Conti won her third consecutive best and fairest at Richmond, and at only 22, she looks to become even better starting this season.
Richmond has struggled in previous seasons to convert goals onto the scoreboard. However, a dominant pre-season win over Hawthorn has shown why the Tigers should not be taken lightly this season.
Richmond's recruits looked to impress as Graham was strong holding the backline; Williams, too, was impressive, kicking a goal in the final quarter.
Biggest weakness
Will Richmond be able to perform due to their injury list?
Cordner's ACL injury, which will sit her out for the whole AFLW season, is a big out, especially with how dominant she is and a key player leading the backline.
Alongside her is winger Hannah Burchell who also was confirmed earlier this year to have a ruptured ACL in her left knee.
Recruits Graham and draftee Cox have been brought into the team to add strength to their backline; however, will inexperience be a factor for them?
Rising star
Jemima Woods has been given a second chance at Richmond after the Western Bulldogs gave her the flick; this will be what will start her outbreak of a season.
She has been given a second chance to play the sport she loves, and with the backing of the Tigers, she could be an amazing player at still only 19.
If Sheerin continues her astonishing pre-season performance against the Hawks, she will be a gun for the Tigers as well as their rising star.
Prediction for season 7
Richmond has not made the finals since joining the competition only four seasons ago. However, this will be their breakout as the Tigers look strong.
The Tigers have a strong list that they have gathered during the off-season and their current players, who are only getting stronger.
The Tigers have many experienced coaches who will help the players perform to their full potential.
Predicted ladder position: 6th
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