The GIANTS will look to tame the Tigers in a crucial clash with Richmond in the nation’s capital.
AFLW - Round 6
GIANTS v Tigers
Sunday, September 20 at 12:35pm
Corroboree Group Oval, Manuka | Ngunnawal
What It Means for the GIANTS
After a disappointing result in the Sydney Derby the GIANTS will be hoping a more consistent performance in Canberra can see them tame the Tigers on Sunday.
Currently sitting at 1-4, the GIANTS have had a tough start to their 2026 campaign - having already played two sides currently inside the top four in the Demons and Swans, as well the four-time reigning grand finalists Brisbane - but will be hoping the learnings from those tough clashes can help them perform at their best entering the middle phase of the season.
While some areas of the GIANTS’ game are in strong order, particularly their contested possession and clearance game, there are some components that need more attention in order for them to turn admirable losses into wins. One of those areas, as mentioned by Head Coach Cam Bernasoni during the week, is the return of the orange tsunami – with Bernasconi eager for his side to return to hunting the opposition and bringing more intensity around the footy.
The GIANTS were out-pressured by the Swans last week and it’s something they’ll need to flip if they’re to beat the Tigers on Sunday, with the Swans winning the tackle count 92-76 to help set up the five-goal win.
While the season to date hasn’t gone to plan from a win-loss perspective, the GIANTS still only find themselves two games out of the eight and can reignite their season with a win over Richmond in the nation’s capital.
The Opposition
Richmond will enter Sunday’s game following a rollercoaster start to the season, with the Tigers alternating wins and losses across the first five rounds.
While having not yet won back-to-back games, the Tigers are sitting well placed at 3-2 and could find themselves inside the top eight if they can register consecutive wins for the first time this season on Sunday.
In their most recent outing, the Tigers overcame a spirited St Kilda side to register a 9.4 (58) to 6.7 (43) win at Windy Hill.
While the stats were quite even across the board in the win over the Saints, the ruck battle and the clearance game were two areas that helped the Tigers get over the line, with ruck duo Poppy Kelly and Gabby Seymour winning the hit out count 40-16 and their midfielders winning the clearance count 28-23.
That clearance battle could prove critical in Sunday’s game as the Tigers’ more experienced ruck duo face off against impressive first-year GIANT Yasmeen Janschek. Also pivotal to that area of the game for the Tigers will be the ability of their midfield group to continue to step up in the absence of superstar Mon Conti who will miss her third straight game with Achillies soreness.
Recent History
Richmond has had the better of the GIANTS since entering the AFLW competition in 2020, with the Tigers holding a 4-1 advantage in the five meetings to date - including winning the last four.
Three of those four victories have been close games however, with the Tigers winning those contests by an average margin of just 13 points.
The most recent encounter, played in round two, 2024, saw the Tigers jump out to a 4.6 (30) to 1.1 (7) half-time lead before holding off a fast-finishing GIANTS side to register a gutsy 11-point win in Melbourne.
Key Match Up: The Midfield Maestros
A mouthwatering matchup around the footy could take place on Sunday with both sides entering the game with a pair of inside midfielders in red hot form.
Last week the GIANTS were led brilliantly by star duo Alyce Parker (26 disposals, nine clearances, two goals) and Bec Beeson (25 disposals, eight clearances) who despite the loss to the Swans did all they could for their side. A repeat performance from the pair against the Tigers on Sunday would go a long way to claiming a crucial win in Canberra.
Standing in their way however is a match up with two tough Tigers who were vital to Richmond’s win over the Saints last week: Isabel Bacon and Ellie McKenzie.
Missing superstar Mon Conti, the Tigers needed a lift around the ball and it certainly came from Bacon and their co-captain McKenzie who combined for 40 disposals, 20 contested possessions, 10 tackles, 10 clearances, and eight inside 50s against the Saints.
Traditionally a defender, Bacon has spent the last two weeks playing on ball in the absence of Conti and she’s certainly made the most of it, with the third-year player picking up 20 disposals, seven tackles, four clearances, and a goal last week. Meanwhile McKenzie finished with 20 touches herself, to go along with 11 contested possessions and six clearances.
Whichever midfield duo can continue their strong form on Sunday will go a long way to helping their side leave Canberra with four points.
GIANTS Player to Watch: Cambridge McCormick
Following last year’s breakout All-Australian season, Cambridge McCormick continues to be one of the league’s most dynamic defenders, highlighted by her ability to play on forwards of all sizes while also providing crucial run and dare for Cam Bernasconi’s side.
With her confidence up after last year’s brilliant campaign, it’s no surprise that McCormick has been one of her side’s most consistent players so far in 2026.
The 27-year-old’s strong start has McCormick sitting second across all key defenders in the competition for disposals (17.8), first for metres gained (368.8m), first for inside 50s (2.2), third for rebound 50s (4.8), and seventh for intercept possessions (6.4).
Sporting a nasty black eye following a stray elbow in the Sydney Derby, McCormick will enter this week’s game a little bruised but raring to go and hoping to play a big part in taming the Tigers.
Team Selection:
The GIANTS will name this week’s extended squad at 6:20pm on Thursday and then the final team on Friday at 5pm at gwsgiants.com.au.
Rehab Report:
Get a full injury update ahead of Sunday’s match here.
