Essendon’s VFLW team fell to a disappointing 35-point loss to Richmond at the Swinburne Centre on Saturday.
Outclassed from the opening bounce, the Bombers tried their best against the Tigers, who soared to claim a 3.5 (23) to 8.10 (58) victory.
Richmond secured its lead early on, booting back-to-back goals in the opening minutes.
A quick snap from Monique DeMatteo brought it back to an eight-point deficit, while Laura Bailey’s late goal handed the Tigers their 14-point lead at the first break.
Essendon came out for a fiery second quarter, with high pressure and intensity around the ground.
The Bombers dominated play early but didn’t capitalise as both sides were caught in a tight contest.
Alex Morcom and Alexandra Saundry impressed with their defensive pressure, cutting off the Tigers’ attempts at goal.
Debutant Cecilia McIntosh (Collingwood) and first-year player Ruby Svarc were clinical in moving the ball forward, despite a scrappy contest.
Former Collingwood AFLW player Cecilia McIntosh made her Essendon debut on Saturday. (Photo: Ben Johnstone)
Freda Puruntatameri’s run off half-back saw the Bombers pick-up momentum, while the midfielders benefited from the added intensity.
The Tigers hit the ground running, breaking away with two early goals in the third term.
Richmond dominated the inside-50 count, converting its midfield dominance into attack as it propelled the ball forward.
Hayley Bullas’ intercepted marks forced Richmond to turnover possession, while a goal to Arthurina Moreen late in the third term saw the Bombers rewarded for their efforts.
Essendon missed several opportunities to score in the final term, but the deficit proved too tough a mountain to climb.
Skipper Courtney Ugle, who led from the midfield and impressed with her intensity around the contest, said there were positives from the defeat.
“Obviously, it’s not the result that we wanted, but (Brendan) Major said when we get the ball and we move fast and we really use our outside pace, we are dangerous. And I think when we did that really well, it scared the opposition,” Ugle said.
“The work-rate with our inside mids and our backline was outstanding today, under a lot of pressure, and I think they held themselves really well. I take my hat off to the backline group because they had a tough job today.”
The Bombers take on Carlton at Windy Hill next Saturday from 12pm.
Ugle said the team would be up for the fight.
“I think that we will prepare really well and come out fighting, hungrier than ever, because today really hit home.
“We know we need to recover well, re-focus and hit next week on the track with a very positive mindset moving forward.”
Essendon 1.0 1.0 2.1 3.5 (23)
Richmond 3.2 3.4 7.10 8.10 (58)
GOALS
Essendon – Moreen 2, DeMatteo
Richmond –Bailey 2, Brennan 2, Gunn, Colwell, Chuot, Stahl
Victoria Raptis is in the final year of her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree at RMIT University. As part of their strategic partnership, Essendon Football Club and RMIT University are committed to providing opportunities for students, staff, players and the wider community.
