Reigning AFLW best and fairest Monique Conti says she wants to dedicate herself to Richmond’s “journey” after inking a new three-year deal through to the end of 2027.
Confident in the Tigers’ trajectory five years in, Conti was adamant they could still chart a course for finals this season despite a surprise one-point loss to West Coast in round 1.
The 24-year-old’s new contract ensures Richmond will be able to build its side around the competition’s premier midfielder, who averaged 28.5 disposals and six tackles per game in 2023.
Conti will also be honoured with Richmond life membership at the Tigers’ AGM in December, making her the first AFLW player to receive the accolade at Punt Road.
“It’s something I didn’t expect – I’ve been to a few of the life member luncheons, and it’s just awesome to see the calibre of people there,” Conti told this masthead.
“To be put in a category with them is definitely a special honour, it’s really cool.
“I’m a bit speechless when I think about it, but I guess it shows how much the club values me and how much I love the club.”
Crossing to Richmond after extraordinary success in her first two seasons at the Western Bulldogs, Conti said she had never contemplated chasing silverware at a third club.
“Ever since I’ve got here, I’ve known that I really want to be invested and part of the journey at the club,” Conti said.
“They take care of me as a person, not just a player, which is really special.”
Conti said Richmond had “already regrouped” after the upset loss to the Eagles in Perth, which had served a lesson in how even the competition could be this season.
With an early run of winnable games in GWS (home), Sydney (away) and Carlton and Port Adelaide (both at home), the Tigers had been widely tipped to return to the top eight after reaching the semi-finals in the second 2022 season.
“I think West Coast will be a pretty tough team to beat over there this season … we’ve learnt our lesson,” Conti said.
“It’s lucky we’ve had this happen early on – I think there’s probably been a few results which went a way you would not have expected last week, which is a reminder you need to bring your best.”
Richmond women’s football boss Kate Sheahan said the five-time All-Australian’s commitment to the Tigers showed “enormous faith” in their direction.
“Monique has bought into our football program since the day she arrived back in 2019 and comes to the Club every day hungry to improve,” Sheahan said.
“Amazingly, Mon’s best football is still in front of her, and we cannot wait to see what she can help us achieve in the next four seasons and beyond as a Richmond player.
“We are so proud as an AFLW program of Mon, and she is very deserving of the massive honour of becoming the club’s first female footballer to receive life membership.”
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