Player Watch #30: Reece Conca

[HumanMeatball]

I don't know what it is but I have a soft spot for Reece

 

[NaturalDisaster]

To be honest i don't have much confidence that he will remain uninjured and get any continuity in his game

 

[Grrr]

Conca at best was 2013 and it was nothing great. He is nothing special and the two other blokes are just kids young in the system .Markov is already passed Conca in all facets of the game , so I call you bs on that. Even Short has shown in two seasons that he is capable. If Conca wasn't a pick six he would be playing in country WA by now if he was lucky. It's a bit like Wallet gifting Rambling so many games in hope that one day he would evolve into MRioli.
It's the old chestnut current value v potential value.
Conca cv is 1/10 and pv is 3/10
Markov cv is 5/10 and Pv is 8/10
Short cv is 4/10 and PV 6-7/10

In 2013 Conca was 21 years old, so much the same as Markov and Short. Will be surprised (pleasantly) if Short gets many games this year, I don't think he is physical enough for a back pocket, would love to see Castanga take his place, outside chance but he attacks the game. Markov played good footy off half back, but why measure a running half back against one an inside/outide mid. Conca was becoming a good young player before his hamstrings. Maybe he will never get that back, but I wouldn't be quite so quick to right him off.

 

[RobsJourney]

I still shake my head at that free kick & 50 he have away against the dogs in the last quater. Pretty much sums up his career..

The free kick was one of the worst I have ever seen, and he was so confused he didn't give the ball back in time, and the 50 was f u cking soft too.

I wouldn't be bagging Conca for that, he was absolutely screwed over. Watch it again.

 

[Goldust]

Yep, he has no trade value, but he does have value to us. As long as he stays fit for the whole season I believe he is best 22.
He is only 24, prime candidate to have that break out year that we expected the last few seasons. I hope we stick with playing him in the backline and see what he can do.

Not having a go at you, but read this every year in regards to a half dozen players at our club every year.
Hey, we're all still waiting for Griffiths (going into year eight), Edwards (going into year 10) and Elton (going into year six) to have that 'break out year'.
It was coming for an eternity with Vickery and now Conca, Lennon, BEllis, CEllis and Drummond are candidates.

 

[Goldust]

In 2013 Conca was 21 years old, so much the same as Markov and Short. Will be surprised (pleasantly) if Short gets many games this year, I don't think he is physical enough for a back pocket, would love to see Castanga take his place, outside chance but he attacks the game. Markov played good footy off half back, but why measure a running half back against one an inside/outide mid. Conca was becoming a good young player before his hamstrings. Maybe he will never get that back, but I wouldn't be quite so quick to right him off.

Good observation. Going forward - as our smallest defender - Short will contend with the likes of Eddie Betts, Cyril Rioli, Paul Puopolo, Chad Wingard, Michael Walters, Isaac Heeney and Hayden Ballantyne.

 

[RobsJourney]

Not having a go at you, but read this every year in regards to a half dozen players at our club every year.
Hey, we're all still waiting for Griffiths (going into year eight), Edwards (going into year 10) and Elton (going into year six) to have that 'break out year'.
It was coming for an eternity with Vickery and now Conca, Lennon, BEllis, CEllis and Drummond are candidates.

To be fair, Edwards has a couple of breakout years already. He was pretty awesome between 2013 and 2015.
We missed him after he broke his leg in 2015, we got him back but he hasn't quite got back to the level yet.

Thinking of how many stars GWS have, back when they almost pipped us at the 'G in 2015, Edwards literally won us the game in the last quarter, he was twice as good as anyone on the ground in that last 20 minutes. He seemed to just flick a switch. I'm sure we'll see it again.

 

[RobsJourney]

In 2013 Conca was 21 years old, so much the same as Markov and Short. Will be surprised (pleasantly) if Short gets many games this year, I don't think he is physical enough for a back pocket, would love to see Castanga take his place, outside chance but he attacks the game. Markov played good footy off half back, but why measure a running half back against one an inside/outide mid. Conca was becoming a good young player before his hamstrings. Maybe he will never get that back, but I wouldn't be quite so quick to right him off.

I'd really love to see Castagna get a game too, but I reckon his go is midfield and small forward. His game against the Bulldogs was something else.

 

[THE THIN MAN]

Hey, we're all still waiting for Griffiths (going into year eight), Edwards (going into year 10) and Elton (going into year six) to have that 'break out year'.
It was coming for an eternity with Vickery and now Conca, Lennon, BEllis, CEllis and Drummond are candidates.

 

[Goldust]

To be fair, Edwards has a couple of breakout years already. He was pretty awesome between 2013 and 2015.
We missed him after he broke his leg in 2015, we got him back but he hasn't quite got back to the level yet.

Thinking of how many stars GWS have, back when they almost pipped us at the 'G in 2015, Edwards literally won us the game in the last quarter, he was twice as good as anyone on the ground in that last 20 minutes. He seemed to just flick a switch. I'm sure we'll see it again.

Edwards for mine has never lived up to the hype that Tiger fans bestow on him.
Not a top five best and fairest finish to be had - and only twice has he finished in the top 10.
For a guy with 187 games alongside his name that's pretty damning.
Interested to see how people rate him against the much-maligned Greg Tivendale, who played 188 games (one more than Titch).
Both played some outstanding games, but never sustained it or been consistent enough!

 

[THE THIN MAN]

Edwards for mine has never lived up to the hype that Tiger fans bestow on him.
Not a top five best and fairest finish to be had - and only twice has he finished in the top 10.
For a guy with 187 games alongside his name that's pretty damning.
Interested to see how people rate him against the much-maligned Greg Tivendale, who played 188 games (one more than Titch).
Both played some outstanding games, but never sustained it or been consistent enough!

Shane Edwards is one of the most overhyped players since Andrew Krakouer.

His return of goals to game ratio

 

[TigerImposter]

In 2013 Conca was 21 years old, so much the same as Markov and Short. Will be surprised (pleasantly) if Short gets many games this year, I don't think he is physical enough for a back pocket, would love to see Castanga take his place, outside chance but he attacks the game. Markov played good footy off half back, but why measure a running half back against one an inside/outide mid. Conca was becoming a good young player before his hamstrings. Maybe he will never get that back, but I wouldn't be quite so quick to right him off.

most people expect Conca to play off the HBF and i couldn't see him getting into our midfield with the blokes we have added to it. Also Conca 2013 was serviceable at best with very little wow factor for a pick 6 compared to a rookie and pick 51 pick. The point i was making was that Conca can easily be replaced with late picks.Remember no other club wanted him.

 

[Grrr]

most people expect Conca to play off the HBF and i couldn't see him getting into our midfield with the blokes we have added to it. Also Conca 2013 was serviceable at best with very little wow factor for a pick 6 compared to a rookie and pick 51 pick. The point i was making was that Conca can easily be replaced with late picks.Remember no other club wanted him.

Serviceable but young in 2013. Yes not a lot of wow factor but Heppell who everyone rates (I'm not a huge fan) has even less wow.... Yes he has been replaced and may be depth, will find out this season. No club may have wanted him because the last two season he has been injured. Only long term injured stars like O'meara get picked up. A lot of tigers will be playing for their careers this year.

 

[Lacustrus]

Serviceable but young in 2013. Yes not a lot of wow factor but Heppell who everyone rates (I'm not a huge fan) has even less wow.... Yes he has been replaced and may be depth, will find out this season. No club may have wanted him because the last two season he has been injured. Only long term injured stars like O'meara get picked up. A lot of tigers will be playing for their careers this year.

Conca is in the same boat as Dimma.
He isn't good enough to tie Heppel or Lynch's boot lace from that draft.
Better to terminate the fool responsible and move on.

 

[Grrr]

Conca is in the same boat as Dimma.
He isn't good enough to tie Heppel or Lynch's boot lace from that draft.
Better to terminate the fool responsible and move on.

At the same age pre injury Heppell and Conca were around the same mark. I remember reading all the Richmond supporters going into bat for Conca. Heppell is a poor mans Pendelbury, one paced, average kick and waits to be given the ball. If he had the tags that Cotchin gets he wouldn't get a touch. Yeah Lynch would be nice, sure terminate F.Jackson, but what has that to do with Conca. You think it's easy to keep tearing hamstrings a week before the season starts after doing all the preseason. Why attack a player who has spent two years on the sideline, plenty of others to attack who actually play.

 

[Morro]

That's a pretty big "if".

Agreed, but no point staying negative on the bloke, it is pre-season after all haha

 

[Lacustrus]

At the same age pre injury Heppell and Conca were around the same mark. I remember reading all the Richmond supporters going into bat for Conca. Heppell is a poor mans Pendelbury, one paced, average kick and waits to be given the ball. If he had the tags that Cotchin gets he wouldn't get a touch. Yeah Lynch would be nice, sure terminate F.Jackson, but what has that to do with Conca. You think it's easy to keep tearing hamstrings a week before the season starts after doing all the preseason. Why attack a player who has spent two years on the sideline, plenty of others to attack who actually play.

God, I'm surprised that there is still anyone out there arguing your point.

But good luck to him, If the club can get some output from Reece in 2017 it will be a bonus.

And all I can say is I must be a very poor judge cause I think Heppell is a very fine player.

 

[Morro]

People have already forgotten that less than two months ago nobody wanted this bloke.

When raising this point, you have to have inside knowledge of the value being requested in return.

Maybe several clubs enquired but didn't want to pay the price we wanted in return. It is all relative.

 

[THE THIN MAN]

When raising this point, you have to have inside knowledge of the value being requested in return.

Maybe several clubs enquired but didn't want to pay the price we wanted in return. It is all relative.

BEN Lennon requested a trade out of Richmond at the end of the season, but the phone never rang. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/a...e/news-story/76c51b374b5b19df8f0926cb32015452

From memory he was offered a rookie position by North Melbourne.

 

[Dr Tigris]

I know Reece is frustrating. But come on. His problems have been more due to debilitating injuries than anything. Which is also why I am surprised that the club has kept him. If he gets and stays fit we will cause a lot of humble pie to be eaten. But I am now at the point that I expect him to break down. If he gets fit and going we have another B+ grade mid, with a good defensive side. That would be huge!! But I just can't expect him to stay fit. Hope the club knows more than me.

 

[Snooza 100]

The free kick was one of the worst I have ever seen, and he was so confused he didn't give the ball back in time, and the 50 was f u cking soft too.

I wouldn't be bagging Conca for that, he was absolutely screwed over. Watch it again.

I have watched it a few times, the free kick was BS, but the 50 metre penalty was there, the umpire told Conca 3 times
to give the ball back but he didnt. Bont got the goal, dogs got the lead and Richmond lost us the game.

Conca=undisciplined..

 

[RobsJourney]

I have watched it a few times, the free kick was BS, but the 50 metre penalty was there, the umpire told Conca 3 times
to give the ball back but he didnt. Bont got the goal, dogs got the lead and Richmond lost us the game.

Conca=undisciplined..

Yeah, it all happened pretty quickly though, and, given the bad free kick, he could be forgiven for not giving the ball back immediately. It's not like he was asked 3 times over the space of 30 seconds, he was asked 3 times in rapid succession.

Overall, bias aside, in such a fast paced encounter it was just horrible BS to be on the end of and really mirrored our season too.

 

[Sir_Loin]

I know Reece is frustrating. But come on. His problems have been more due to debilitating injuries than anything. Which is also why I am surprised that the club has kept him. If he gets and stays fit we will cause a lot of humble pie to be eaten. But I am now at the point that I expect him to break down. If he gets fit and going we have another B+ grade mid, with a good defensive side. That would be huge!! But I just can't expect him to stay fit. Hope the club knows more than me.

I'm not really sure where you get your optimism from. He has never dominated, his disposal and decision making has always been iffy and he is as slow as a wet week. He's been mediocre since we've had him - his injuries have papered over some pretty big deficiencies. He had one OK year - wouldn't say it was great - 17th place in the B&F in 2013.

He should thank his lucky stars he got the contract extension he did. We're clearly desperate for midfield cover and I don't expect he'll get many games in the seniors.

 

[Dr Tigris]

I'm not really sure where you get your optimism from. He has never dominated, his disposal and decision making has always been iffy and he is as slow as a wet week. He's been mediocre since we've had him - his injuries have papered over some pretty big deficiencies. He had one OK year - wouldn't say it was great - 17th place in the B&F in 2013.

He should thank his lucky stars he got the contract extension he did. We're clearly desperate for midfield cover and I don't expect he'll get many games in the seniors.

My optimism!!?
- That I am surprised the club kept him?
- That I expect him to break down?
- Or that I reckon he has talent?

I'll defend all 3. If he doesn't break down I expect him to be an important part of the team. If he can stay fit he adds inside and outside depth, toughness, 1%s and defense, plus goal kicking. Nothing like Cotch's level. But a worthy rounded midfielder. With hamstrings of paper mache.

 

[Sir_Loin]

My optimism!!?
- That I am surprised the club kept him?
- That I expect him to break down?
- Or that I reckon he has talent?

I'll defend all 3. If he doesn't break down I expect him to be an important part of the team. If he can stay fit he adds inside and outside depth, toughness, 1%s and defense, plus goal kicking. Nothing like Cotch's level. But a worthy rounded midfielder. With hamstrings of paper mache.

I'm just not sure what you're basing any of that on. Goal kicking? Please explain.

He can find it a bit. Can tackle somewhat. But that's about it. He has never put it on the park for long enough for anyone to say he is or can be a consistent player at this level. And it isn't just his injuries. The one good year he had that everyone goes on about he didn't even crack the top 10 of the b&f.

I think you're drawing a long bow to say if not for his hamstrings he would be an important part to the team. Hope I'm wrong but I doubt it.