Courtney Wakefield has starred with a career-high haul of four goals as Richmond’s AFLW hot streak continued with a 10-point comeback win over Carlton.
Key points:
- The Tigers triumphed 6.8 (44) to 5.4 (34)
- Wakefield and Monique Conti were among the Tigers’ best
- The result almost assures the Tigers will qualify for the finals
The Tigers coughed up the first four goals and trailed by 26 points before dragging themselves back into the contest, prevailing 6.8 (44) to 5.4 (34) in a tight finish at Princes Park on Friday night.
Wakefield and midfield gun Monique Conti (30 disposals) were instrumental for the Tigers, who are almost certain to play finals for the first time after reeling off six straight victories.
The Blues were left ruing a huge missed opportunity, with their top-eight hopes now in jeopardy with two rounds left to play.
Former Blues Sarah Hosking (18 disposals, one goal) and Grace Egan (18 disposals) were both strong performers against their old side.
Mimi Hill was Carlton’s best with 20 disposals and a goal, with captain Kerryn Peterson (15 disposals, one goal) also prominent in her 50th match.
The Blues shocked the visitors in a hot start, dominating territory early and registering the first 11 forward entries.
They led by 19 points at quarter-time.
But the Tigers gradually worked their way back into the match, driven largely by Conti’s work around the contest.
Three straight Wakefield goals put the Tigers in front for the first time midway through the third quarter before the Blues got a steadier through Keeley Skepper.
Wakefield bobbed up with a mark in the goal square to put the Tigers in front in the final quarter and captain Katie Brennan kicked the sealer with less than a minute left on the clock.
The Tigers will start favourites against GWS in round nine, while Carlton travel north for a crunch clash with Gold Coast.
AAP
Source: AFL NEWS ABC
