Richmond were kept to just four points in the opening term of the Brunswick Seniors game on a sunny Saturday morning. Richmond were dominant in the midfield, but accuracy was their downfall early, only scoring four behinds. Erin O’Connor dominated with an outstanding save at the line, stamping her authority early on in the Richmond forward line. Gina DiBenedetto, one of the Renegade’s newest recruits, has also been displaying her form in the back line; her defensive read and tackles have been a very welcome addition.

Enter Larisa Dumitriu (Larry); the second quarter had her fired up, and regardless of what position played, Larry was a defensive machine. With a late passage of play in the dying minutes of the quarter, Emily Collins (Badsy) switched the play beautifully across the 50m arc, and Dani Hagan slotted a goal to get the Renegades back in the game. Only a goal separated the two teams at halftime.

Tahlia Hayes, a staple on the seniors’ side, was having a cracker of a second-half; their casual yet accurate over-the-shoulder handball to Erin gave the Renegades momentum to move the ball swiftly down the wing into the forward line. The pressure through the midfield was amped up, and the players were directed to play one-on-one, shutting down Richmond. Elsie Daddow, on her debut in the senior side, stepped up in the midfield, blocking and tackling like a pro.

Play of the day went to magnet mover strategist Monica Gray when she put only four forwards in position, allowing (Noelene Kingi) Kingi and (Ange Snowden) Snowy to play high as extra mids. Kingi received a beautiful mark, kicking off to Dani Hagan, where the spoiled crumbs were mopped up by Vanessa Lussini (Goose) for a goal.

Tough day on the scoreboard for the Renegades, but as usual, it did not reflect the hard-working team. A huge mention to the four players who had their senior debut: Kiah Pearce, Darcy Powell, Elsie Daddow and Meg McNeel, the future is bright for 2023!