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Reece Conca speaks about his lucky escape from a leg break and returning to Richmond’s senior side
REECE Conca is sitting back, enjoying life back in the MCG changerooms and welcoming the exhaustion of another AFL game done and dusted.
It's Round 22 and the Tigers have just seen off Essendon, with Conca enjoying “a little run around” after six weeks out of the side with an ankle injury.
Game 101 has ended far less dramatically than game 100 for Conca, who finished his milestone match in hospital.
On that fateful night, the football world held its breath as the unlucky Tiger was taken off on a stretcher — complete with the ‘green stick’ in his mouth.
The Tigers rallied around their teammate, literally, with every player surrounding Conca’s stretcher — in a move that earned the plaudits of the AFL community.
But a mere matter of hours later, Conca received the news that turned his night on its head all over again.
He hadn’t broken his ankle — just severely dislocated it.
All of a sudden, potentially 12 months on the sidelines had become a number of weeks out of action — gifting the West Australian the opportunity to opportunity to return before season’s end.
And after a week in the VFL, Conca did just that.
“I actually found out that night that there was no break and it was a bit of a relief going to sleep that night,” Conca told foxfooty.com.au.
“I was straight into my rehab the next day and I was quite aggressive with my rehab and I tried a few different things which I think really worked for me personally and I’m just stoked to be back and just really enjoying my time.”
It didn’t take long for Conca to find his feet again at the top level.
Playing in a midfield role, the 26-year-old collected 21 disposals and recorded five tackles and five clearances.
“It was nice to have a little run around through the middle,” Conca said.
“I played a similar role to what ‘Cotch’ would normally play and it was nice to be back out there and it’s always handy when you get a bit of the ball and I was really enjoying myself and had heaps of fun.”
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick admitted the Tigers would have preferred to give Conca another week at VFL level before bringing him back to the top level, but their hand was somewhat forced by injuries to Trent Cotchin, Kane Lambert and Dion Prestia.
“He was okay, he did some nice things, Reece,” Hardwick said post-match.
“He hasn’t played for a long time, played half to three-quarters last week, probably needed him a little bit more this week and would have liked to have probably given him another game in the VFL, but we thought we’d take the opportunity to get some run into his legs.
“And I thought he played well. He’s been out of our system for eight weeks now I think and for him to step in and fulfil his role pretty well I thought was a really positive sign for him.
“It’s good that he’s got some luck on his side — he’s such a popular member of our footy club and hopefully that luck continues and he gets the reward he deserves.”
Conca was one of five inclusions on Friday night, with fringe midfielder/forward Sam Lloyd and youngsters Ryan Garthwaite and Liam Baker among those who also got their opportunity.
The midfielder said the Tigers had faith in their players to fill a role in the team.
“It’s fantastic. We play to a process and we know that we can bring anybody in and they’re going to play their role and that was the epitome today (Friday night),” Conca said.
“We brought in some great players — Garthwaite and Lloyd and little Baker and they all stood up and played their role and that’s what leads us to getting victories.”
Conca is one of a number of Tigers — like dashing half-back revelation Jayden Short — who missed out on premiership success last year.
He said he was just determined to “play every week” and play his part in Richmond’s bid to go back-to-back.
“I think everyone’s still motivated — we want to get that ultimate success again this year but Shorty’s had an amazing year and everyone wants to be there on that day,” he said.
“But I’m just doing everything I can to play every week and play my role.”
Good on him. He deserves a spot in our 22 by what he does. If we get him back fit and in form he makes us stronger - at the right time
From last years team I'd leave out Butler and Townsend. And from current team I'd drop Higgins. So Short, Conca play for a premiership.
who comes out?
I thought Dimma loved everyone???
