Re: AFLW 2021 Rd 4: Carlton vs Richmond at Ikon - Sat 3:10
Reply #29 –
I’m not convinced that we are off the pace. I suspect that there has been substantial improvement in most teams and the competition is more even than it has been. We really should have beaten Collingwood in round 1 and now they’re one of the flag favourites.
It was pretty clear that our mindset wasn’t right in the first quarter. Harf’s bake at quarter time turned things around and that’s not his usual modus operandi. Giving the opposition a quarter with minds off the game is tantamount to conceding the game and our effort in clawing back the lead and holding on for the win was outstanding.
I’m sure that Harf will be ensuring that the girls have the minds on the game from the first bounce.
That free and another one around the same time and it made me think that not only were the commentators biased towards the tigers, but the umps were too.
There was a couple more iffy ones from there, but in the end it wasn't so bad.
I’m sure that the frees evened out and I understand why the girls are given more leeway with illegal disposal/holding the ball. However, the umpires’ inconsistency and when and where frees were or weren’t paid seemed to favour Richmond.
For example, Downey’s tackle on Conti when the latter tried to take her on was clearly holding the ball. A free to Downey would have meant another inside 50 entry for us. There’s also the psychological impact of the opposition’s best player being bested in a one on one contest. Play on in that situation gives Richmond an advantage.