Tigerish spirit too much for the Suns

A THREE-GOAL haul from Richmond captain Katie Brennan has powered the Tigers to a 6.5 (41) to 4.2 (26) win over Gold Coast in just their second victory in the AFLW.

After a winless debut season, the Tigers had to wait more than a year for their first victory but notched a second in just a fortnight after beating the luckless Suns, who have lost all seven games in 2021.

After five weeks away from home, the Suns returned to Metricon Stadium on Friday night and started strongly, notching seven inside-50s in the first quarter and booting the first goal of the match. But the Tigers surged in the second term, kicking two goals three to take a 15-point margin to halftime.

The Suns got within three points in the second term but could not hold the Tigers, with the third goal by Brennan (pictured) all but sealing the match for the visitors.

“It’s an awesome time, we’re really proud of our group,” Brennan said.

“We knew the Suns were going to bring the heat tonight and I’m really proud of the way we stood up against a strong outfit.”

Forward Maddison Levi made a welcome return to the Suns side after missing last week’s loss to Adelaide with a knee injury and was on song, kicking two goals.

Without star midfielder Jamie Stanton, who fractured her leg last week, first-year player Levi was under pressure to perform and she responded, kicking the first goal and getting her side back in the game early in the second half.

The former rugby sevens star has made a strong transition to the professional AFLW ranks.