AFL

Injury-hit Saints run down AFLW strugglers Richmond

By AAP Newswire

Sep 21, 2025

Serene Watson. — Serene Watson's 28 disposals have helped St Kilda to a thrilling AFLW victory over Richmond. -AAP Image

Richmond are still seeking their first win of the AFLW season after coughing up a three-quarter time lead en route to a seven-point loss to St Kilda.

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The Tigers led by seven points at the final change of the match at RSEA Park but St Kilda made the most of a strong breeze by kicking three goals to one in the last quarter to secure the 6.7 (43) to 5.6 (36) win.

Sunday's result left Richmond on the bottom of the ladder nursing a 0-6 record, while St Kilda improved to 3-3.

St Kilda have now posted two wins on the trot, but they were left counting the cost.

J'Noemi Anderson suffered a serious-looking ankle injury when her left leg bent horrifically under the weight of her opponent Isabel Bacon early in the final quarter.

Saints winger Molly McDonald suffered a similar injury in the third term when her leg twisted under her opponent in a tackle.

Even umpire Ray Chamberlain didn't make it through the game, with the veteran whistle-blower injuring his right calf in the first half.

Serene Watson led the possession count for St Kilda with 28 disposals and 518m gained, while Jaimee Lambert (25 disposals, seven clearances) and Ashleigh Richards (17 disposals, seven tackles, three clearances, one goal) were also huge.

Ellie McKenzie was Richmond's best with 25 disposals, seven clearances and two goals.

The ball was camped in the Tigers' forward half for most of the opening quarter, but their only reward was a snapped goal to Paige Scott in the wet and slippery conditions.

Richmond shot out to a 20-8 lead early in the second quarter when McKenzie kicked truly, but St Kilda finished the quarter full of running to take a one-point lead into half time.

Tigers star Monique Conti provided the highlight of the third quarter with a huge run-down tackle on Tyanna Smith.

Richmond's gang tackling in general was pivotal, with McKenzie kicking the only goal of the third term for a seven-point lead at the final change.

Charlotte Baskara kick-started St Kilda's final-quarter charge by catching an opponent holding the ball before nailing the 30m set shot.

Richards followed with a tight set shot from the pocket.

But the best came from Jesse Wardlaw, who spun away from an opponent's tackle in the pocket before snapping a ripping goal to seal the come-from-behind win.