With both Captain and Vice-Captain out, Big D (Amy D) stepped up to the plate to lead the team. Amy has more than 50 games under her belt and brings great wisdom and a sense of calm to the nervous players. That leadership was brought straight onto the field as she set up the team and led from the back. When the going gets tough, the tough get going, and Big D gave it everything she had in the first half.

The Braveheart attitude was contagious as we saw the rest of the team strap up their boots and get on with the game. Claire Butterly was driving players off the field with her tackles, and Stocko defended her goal line kick after kick. Eliza stepped up into the midfield to give Lloydy some relief in the ruck and made an absolute meal of it. Buzz’s second efforts and relentless energy in the midfield were nothing short of courageous. Lizzo gave us pressure like a drip drip drip that will never stop in the forward line, working hard to get those goal opportunities, but the North Richmond defence line were not having a bar of it. Their ball work through the midfield was fast and accurate, leading them to some early goals, which played on the Ressies confidence.

Sensing the morale was low, the team gathered each other up, leaders leaning in to give a clear-headed, strength-based, player-led group huddle that left the coaches speechless. It is easy to stand tall and back a winning team, but to be just as proud in defeat is the sign of a great coach. When you see a coach who’s supported hundreds of Renegades over the years quietly wipe something from under his eye, you know you’ve witnessed one of those rare sideline moments that often go unnoticed.

From the halftime break, only one major was scored, and thanks to the never say die attitude of the team and constant pressure, Richmond were only able to pepper the scoreboard with points.

We will focus on the team camaraderie that was built in this match and the fact that they forced 20 behinds. Things could definitely have been a lot worse without that kind of pressure from the backline. Heads up, Reno’s, you still did us proud.