Connor Menadue

Menadue spent his teenage years in Seabrook in Melbourne's south-west.{{cite news|last1=Jenkinson|first1=Lance|title=AFL draft: Jets' Connor Menadue hopes to burn bright at Richmond|url=http://www.reviewproperty.com.au/Local-News/412802/AFL-draft-Jets'-Connor-Menadue-hopes-to-burn-bright-at-Richmond/?mode=buy|access-date=31 December 2016|work=ReviewProperty}} He played junior football with Altona Junior Football Club before crossing over to play with Spotswood in the Western Region Football League in 2012.{{cite web|title=Western Jets TAC Cup Squad 2013|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/club_info.cgi?client=1-3020-111719-0-0&sID=56112&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=22755306|website=TAC Cup|publisher=SportsTG|access-date=31 December 2016}}{{cite news|title=NERVOUS WAIT FOR WRFL DRAFT HOPEFULS|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-25-0-0-0&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=32339212|access-date=31 December 2016|work=Western Region Football League|publisher=SportsTG|date=21 November 2014}}

In 2013 Menadue played TAC Cup football with the Western Jets. He returned to the club in 2014, playing 16 games and kicking 16 goals for the season. He also held averages of 19.6 disposals and four tackles per game.{{cite news|title=WRFL PRODUCTS FIND AFL HOME|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-25-0-0-0&sID=56257&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=32425927|access-date=31 December 2016|work=Western Region Football League|publisher=SportsTG|date=28 November 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Quayle|first1=Emma|title=AFL draft combine harvester: medium midfielders|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-draft-combine-harvester-medium-midfielders-20141002-10pj9n.html|access-date=31 December 2016|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax|date=2 October 2014}}

Menadue played for the Victorian Metro side at 2014's Under-18 National Championships.{{cite news|last1=D'Anello|first1=Luke|title=Free-running AFL draft prospect Connor Menadue certain to be snapped up after starring for Western Jets in the TAC Cup|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/sport/freerunning-afl-draft-prospect-connor-menadue-certain-to-be-snapped-up-after-starring-for-western-jets-in-the-tac-cup/news-story/2c31293f54422961ba5f148757eb45f5?nk=1de4e0b92ac29693825ca412707c486a-1483162151|access-date=31 December 2016|work=Hobsons Bay Leader|publisher=News Corp|date=17 November 2014}} He appeared in three matches and recorded an average of five tackles per game.{{cite news|title=2014 Draft, pick 33: Connor Menadue|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2014-11-27/2014-draft-pick-33-connor-menadue|access-date=31 December 2016|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Bigpond|date=27 November 2014}}

At the 2014 draft combine he recorded the fifth best time in the 20 metre sprint. He was lauded by draft experts for his elite speed and running ability.{{cite news|title=2014 draft: medium midfielders|url=http://www.afc.com.au/news/2014-08-22/2014-draft-medium-midfielders|access-date=31 December 2016|work=Adelaide FC|publisher=Bigpond|date=22 August 2014}}

Menadue was drafted by {{AFL Ric}} with their second pick and 33rd selection overall in the 2014 AFL draft.{{cite news|title=AFL Draft 2014: Club-by-club selections|url=https://www.google.com.au/search?q=2014+aflkl+draft+who+club+pciked&oq=2014+aflkl+draft+who+club+pciked&aqs=chrome..69i57.5857j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8|access-date=31 December 2016|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax|date=28 November 2014}} He made his AFL debut in round 7 of the 2015 AFL season in a match against Collingwood at the MCG.{{cite news|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|work=ABC News|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-14/troubled-blues-ring-in-changes-for-round-7/6471188|title=Carlton Blues make six changes, while St Kilda and GWS remain unchanged for AFL round seven|date=15 May 2015}} Menadue was initially selected as an emergency before being called up to the team on the morning of the match.{{cite news|title=Menadue motivated by 2015 lessons|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2015-11-03/menadue-motivated-by-2015-lessons|access-date=2 January 2017|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Bigpond|date=3 November 2015}} He was substituted into the game at three-quarter time and recorded one disposal and two tackles in the last quarter of the Tigers' victory.{{cite news|last1=Edmund|first1=Sam|title=2015 season: Richmond defeats Collingwood by 5 points at MCG in Round 7|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/2015-season-richmond-defeats-collingwood-by-5-points-at-mcg-in-round-7/news-story/1e98d8f4be188d4521e238dad952f01f?nk=1de4e0b92ac29693825ca412707c486a-1483349633|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp|date=27 May 2015}}{{cite web|title=Round 7 2015 - Richmond vs Collingwood|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2015/041420150517.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=2 January 2017}} Menadue kicked his first career goal the next week, in a round 8 victory against {{AFL PA}}.{{cite web|title=Round 8 2015 - Port Adelaide vs Richmond|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2015/131420150524.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=2 January 2017}} He would play five straight matches before being omitted from Richmond's round 13 side, playing the rest of the season in the club's reserves side in the VFL.{{cite news|last1=King|first1=Travis|title=Teams: Ablett not selected as Bombers make five changes|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-06-25/round-13-teams-named|access-date=2 January 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|date=25 June 2015}}{{cite web|title=Connor Menadue|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/C/Connor_Menadue.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=2 January 2017}}

Strong form in the 2016 pre-season competition saw Menadue return to the senior side for round 1, 2016, kicking two goals and recording 13 disposals in the club's victory over {{AFL Car}}.{{cite news|last1=Beveridge|first1=Riley|title=Corey Gault, Matt Crouch, Tommy Sheridan: Which players will have breakout years at your club?|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/corey-gault-matt-crouch-tommy-sheridan-which-players-will-have-breakout-years-at-your-club/news-story/648c9ffcd42df2be774ced1349700477|access-date=2 January 2017|work=Fox Sports|publisher=News Corp|date=22 March 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Greenberg|first1=Tony|title=Menadue makes his mark|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2016-03-28/menadue-makes-his-mark|access-date=2 January 2017|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Bigpond|date=28 March 2016}} He went on to play in each of the club's first nine matches.{{cite news|last1=Greenberg|first1=Tony|title=Menadue's rapid reaction|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2016-06-27/menadues-rapid-reaction|access-date=2 January 2017|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Bigpond|date=27 June 2016}} He was subsequently dropped, and played VFL football until being recalled for the club's round 14 match with {{AFL BL}}. It was a then-career best match, with Menadue recording his best disposal output to date (19) and a team-high six tackles.{{cite web|title=Round 14 2016 - Richmond vs Brisbane|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2016/141920160625.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=2 January 2017}}

Menadue was again dropped from the senior side in round 18 before returning in round 22 for just one more senior match.{{cite news|title=Drummond returns|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2016-07-22/round-18-team-announcement|access-date=2 January 2017|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Bigpond|date=22 July 2016}}{{cite news|title=AFL round 23 teams: all the ins and outs|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-round-23-teams-all-the-ins-and-outs-20160825-gr1dq4.html|access-date=2 January 2017|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax|date=25 August 2016}} He finished the season having played 14 matches and averaging 13.2 disposals.

File:Menadue chase down tackle (cropped).jpg in round 15 of the 2017 season.]]

Menadue began 2017 playing with Richmond's reserves side in the VFL and made his first senior appearance in round 4's victory over Brisbane.{{cite news|title=AFL Round 4 teams: Full line-ups and the best SuperCoach advice|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/afl-round-4-teams-full-lineups-and-the-best-supercoach-advice/news-story/d9583370f9db8cecf88524857b82ec66?nk=76a8a0e279d6b123d45d7a6a0f6c99e9-1496839581|access-date=7 June 2017|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=14 April 2017}} He was dropped from the side following the round 5 win over {{AFL Mel}}, but would return in round 9 to face the GWS Giants at Spotless Stadium in Sydney.{{cite news|title=AFL Round 6 teams: Full line-ups and the best SuperCoach advice|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/afl-round-6-teams-full-lineups-and-the-best-supercoach-advice/news-story/4edf88e2c70bb5111b89c9e2be5f2a82|access-date=7 June 2017|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=28 April 2017}}{{cite news|title=AFL Teams Round 9: Full squads for every game, ins and outs, injuries, suspensions and team news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-teams-round-9-full-squads-for-every-game-ins-and-outs-injuries-suspensions-and-team-news/news-story/526a0ec02d25f62b82720f072fa49e3f|access-date=7 June 2017|work=Fox Sports|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=19 May 2017}} He kicked two goals in the tight loss and would remain in the side for the following two weeks.{{cite web|title=Round 9 2017, GWS v Richmond|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2017/142120170520.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=7 June 2017}} Through Richmond's bye at the mid-way point of the season he had played five matches, kicked two goals and recorded an average of 11.4 disposals per game. Returning from the bye in round 13 against {{AFL Syd}}, Menadue was involved in an incident where Swans forward Lance Franklin hit him with a bump during play.{{cite news|last1=Colangelo|first1=Anthony|title='It was more shoulder than head': Richmond player's testimony may help Lance Franklin before MRP|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/it-was-more-shoulder-than-head-richmond-players-testimony-may-help-lance-franklin-before-mrp-20170618-gwtey9.html|access-date=5 October 2017|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=18 June 2017}} Menadue spoke down the impacts of the hit and Franklin ultimately avoided suspension.{{cite news|title=MRP: Swans accept sanctions|url=http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/2017-06-20/mrp-swans-accept-sanctions|access-date=5 October 2017|work=Sydney Swans Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=20 June 2017}} After round 15 Menadue placed second in the league for peak on-field sprint speeds recorded during the season (35.0 kilometres per hour).{{cite news|last1=Meldrum|first1=Ethan|title=The Top 10 Fastest Players In The Competition|url=https://www.triplem.com.au/sport/afl/news/the-top-10-fastest-players-in-the-competition|access-date=8 July 2017|work=Triple M|date=7 July 2017}} He played his final senior match for the season in round 16, being dropped the week following for his part in the club's 67-point loss to {{AFL StK}}.{{cite news|title=Hardwick wants Tigers to toughen up in AFL|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/07/14/hardwick-wants-tigers-toughen-afl|access-date=5 October 2017|work=SBS.com.au|agency=AAP|publisher=SBS|date=14 July 2017}} He played the remainder of the season with the club's reserves side in the VFL. There he joined the team through its three finals wins and in its losing grand final against Port Melbourne.{{cite news|last1=Prime|first1=Toby|title=Port Melbourne wins VFL premiership as Ben Lennon misses kick after final siren|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/live-coverage-of-port-melbourne-v-richmond-vfl-grand-final/news-story/94f575959c1de2ea1180982e611f3dad?nk=76a8a0e279d6b123d45d7a6a0f6c99e9-1507163658|access-date=5 October 2017|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=24 September 2017}} Although he would not play in the match like his premiership winning club mates, Menadue was still involved in Grand Final day, winning the Grand Final sprint and upsetting pre-race favourite Jayden Hunt.{{cite news|title=Richmond's Connor Menadue wins AFL Grand Final sprint|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/au/afl/news/watch-richmonds-connor-menadue-wins-afl-grand-final-sprint/1i3h6t9j3kv7a1gbuq0ted9ax5|access-date=30 September 2017|date=30 September 2017}}

Leading into 2018 Menadue underwent a role change, shifting from the wing to the half-back position.{{cite news |title=Focus on Connor Menadue |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-03-28/focus-on-connor-menadue |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=28 March 2018}} He had a largely uninterrupted pre-season training campaign but some soreness and minor injuries in late February and early March meant he was unable to partake in the AFL pre-season competition.{{cite news |last1=Schmook |first1=Nathan |title=How the Tiger midfielders are tracking |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-03-21/how-the-tiger-midfielders-are-tracking |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=Richmond FC |agency=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=21 March 2018}} He was worked back into fitness during VFL pre-season matches in late March however, including one against the {{VFL Box}} where he recorded an equal team-high 25 disposals.{{cite news |last1=Navaratnam |first1=Dinny |title=Premiership Tiger impresses in VFL return |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-03-31/premiership-tiger-dion-prestia-impresses-in-vfl-return |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=31 March 2018}} Menadue remained with the reserves team into the start of their season proper and after some strong form was named the carryover emergency for the club's AFL match-up with {{AFL Haw}} in round 3.{{cite news |title=The VFL Report: Round 1 |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-04-10/the-vfl-report-round-1 |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 April 2018}}

Although he would not earn senior selection immediately he did continue an impressive run of form at the lower level, noted by backline coach Ryan Ferguson for his ability to break lines off of half-back.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 5 |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-05-08/vfl-report-round-5 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=8 May 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 6 |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-05-15/vfl-report-round-6 |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=15 May 2018}} In late May he played in his first AFL match of the year, a round 10 victory over {{AFL StK}}.{{cite news |title=Final teams: Richmond v St Kilda |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-05-26/final-teams-richmond-v-st-kilda |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=26 May 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=Match report: Hurt Tigers hold off Saints |url=http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2018/10/rich-v-stk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228063338/http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2018/10/rich-v-stk |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 February 2018 |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=26 May 2018}} Menadue remained in the senior side for a further two matches, including in round 11 where he kicked his first goal of the year. He was dropped back to reserves level however, after an eight disposal match against {{AFL PA}} in round 12.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Flag trio recalled |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-06-14/round-13-squad-announcement |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=14 June 2018}} There he was immediately trialed in a new role as an inside midfielder which saw him gather seven clearances and 16 contested possessions in a VFL win over the Northern Blues.{{cite news |title=VFL Report: Round 11 |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-06-20/vfl-report-round-11 |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=20 June 2018}} Menadue was illustrious across multiple roles at VFL level in the month that followed, used as a half-back, wing and inside midfielder before earning an AFL recall in round 18.{{cite news |title=VFL Report: Round 14 |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-07-10/vfl-report-round-14 |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 July 2018}}{{cite news |title=VFL Report: Round 15 |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-07-17/vfl-report-round-15 |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=17 July 2018}}{{cite news |title=AFL teams round 18: Four changes for Carlton |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-teams-round-18-houli-out-for-tigers-20180719-p4zsif.html |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=20 July 2018}}

An unnamed injury saw Menadue miss in round 19 before making an immediate return in round 20.{{cite news |last1=Phelan |first1=Jennifer |title=Final teams: Richmond v Collingwood |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-07-28/final-teams-richmond-v-collingwood |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=28 July 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Faulkner |first1=Andrew |title=Geelong pick second ruckman to explot Richmond frailty |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/geelong-pick-second-ruckman-to-explot-richmond-frailty/news-story/fbacef0524b883f2e38236163421e356 |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=The Australian |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=3 August 2018}} It would prove to be a one-match run though as Menadue was again dropped to VFL level despite gathering a season-best 18 disposals in the win over {{AFL Gee}}.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Flag foursome back to face Suns |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-08-09/round-21-team-announcement |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=9 August 2018}} He remained at the lower level for the remainder of the season, unable to gain senior selection despite being named as an emergency on multiple occasions.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Top trio to boost Tigers |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-08-23/round-23-team-announcement |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=23 August 2018}}

Menadue was a meaningful contributor in the club's two VFL finals losses including recording 26 disposals and two goals in the knock-out semi-final loss to {{VFL Ess}}.{{cite news |last1=Black |first1=Sarah |title=Axed Tiger shines in heartbreaking VFL loss |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-09-08/axed-tiger-shines-in-heartbreaking-vfl-loss |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=8 September 2018}}{{cite news |title=State leagues report card: The players pushing for AFL finals selection at your club |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/state-leagues-report-card-the-players-pushing-for-afl-finals-selection-at-your-club/news-story/d6846279f2b5718ea71ff444b862b8b9 |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=2 September 2018}} That effort would see him in the selection frame, though ultimately unselected for the club's final AFL match of the year, a preliminary final loss to {{AFL Col}}.{{cite news |last1=Phelan |first1=Jennifer |title=Selection not a fait accompli |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-09-19/selection-not-a-fait-accompli |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=Richmond FC |agency=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=19 September 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Bowen |first1=Nick |title=Match report: Pies stun Tigers to make GF |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-09-21/match-report-richmond-v-collingwood |access-date=26 September 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=21 September 2018}} Menadue finished the year having played five AFL matches as well as 14 with the club's reserves side in the VFL.{{cite web|title=Scoring Summary|website=Peter Jackson VFL 2018|access-date=26 September 2018|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/comp_info.cgi?client=1-118-0-477472-0&a=STATS&sgroup=scoring&sgstat=Gls|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910074736/http://websites.sportstg.com/comp_info.cgi?client=1-118-0-477472-0&a=STATS&sgroup=scoring&sgstat=Gls|archive-date=10 September 2018}}

File:Connor Menadue VFLAug17.jpg

After signing a one-year contract for the 2019 season, Menadue completed a largely uninterrupted pre-season training program in the 2018/19 summer.{{cite news |title=EMERGING TIGERS DUO SIGN CONTRACT EXTENSIONS |url=https://www.sen.com.au/news/2018/10/15/emerging-tigers-duo-sign-contract-extensions/ |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=1116 SEN |publisher=Croc Media |date=15 October 2018}} During that period he was labeled by AFL Media and Fox Footy as a candidate for regular senior football at Richmond that year, following the off-season departure of fringe players Anthony Miles, Corey Ellis and Sam Lloyd and well as regularly selected winger Reece Conca.{{cite news |title=Making a mark: Who needs to step up for your club in 2019? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-11-10/making-a-mark-who-needs-to-step-up-for-your-club-in-2019 |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 November 2018}}{{cite news |title=AFL pre-season 2019: The young players set for a breakout season |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-preseason-2019-the-young-players-set-for-a-breakout-season/news-story/54e714e5042544939efc42a56d277de9 |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=18 January 2019}} Despite those plaudits, Menadue could not earn selection in the club's first official pre-season matches in March and was instead only named as an emergency.{{cite news |title=Tigers finalise team for JLT1 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-03-01/jlt1-team-announcement |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=1 March 2019}} Though he would earn selection to play half a match in the second and final match of that series, his nine disposal performance was not enough to earn AFL selection in round 1.{{cite news |last1=Guthrie |first1=Ben |title=Slow-starting Tigers find top gear to down Hawks |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-03-09/match-report-hawthorn-v-richmond |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=9 March 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Guthrie |first1=Ben |title=Tigers 'too advanced' this time last year: Hardwick |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-03-09/tigers-too-advanced-this-time-last-year-hardwick |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=9 March 2019}} He was instead named an AFL emergency and started his season with VFL matches in late March and early April.{{cite news |last1=Kalac |first1=Grace |title=Trio of Tigers to debut |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-03-20/round-1-team-selection |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=20 March 2019}}{{cite news |first=Brenton |last=Mann |title=Cubs impress in VFL Tigers' win over Blues |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-03-21/vfl-match-report-v-northern-blues |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=21 March 2019}}{{cite news |title=VFL Report: Round 1 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-04-10/vfl-report-round-1 |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 April 2019}} In round 4, Menadue was initially named as an AFL emergency before a late injury to veteran Bachar Houli saw Menadue selected for his first match of the season.{{cite news |last1=Kalac |first1=Grace |title=Tigers make six changes for Port clash |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-04-11/round-4-team-announcement |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=11 April 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Landsberger |first1=Sam |title=AFL Round 4 teams: All the ins and outs at your club |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/afl/afl-round-4-teams-all-the-ins-and-outs-at-your-club-ng-a87c4b49eefc877fd84dde41cc09d037 |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=Perth Now |agency=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=12 April 2019}} Houli was ruled fit to play after just one match on the sidelines however, and Menadue was immediately returned to VFL football in round 5.{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=TEAMS: Dons lose gun mid, no love for Schache |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-04-18/teams-dons-lose-gun-mid-no-love-for-schache |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=18 April 2019}} After two weeks at the lower level, Menadue earned a second shot at AFL football that year in Richmond's round 7 loss to the {{AFL WB}}.{{cite news |last1=McGowan |first1=Marc |title=TEAMS: Roos dump recruit, Swans axe trio, key Dee out |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-05-02/teams-roos-dump-recruit-swans-axe-trio-key-dee-out |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=2 May 2019}} He recorded 15 disposals in that match before turning in a career-best 23 disposals in the club's round 8 win over {{AFL Fre}} in Perth.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Tigers at their best in the west |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-05-15/tigers-at-their-best-in-the-west |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=15 May 2019}} Menadue remained at AFL level for another two matches including a stint in the forward line in round 10, before being dropped back to VFL level in round 11.{{cite news |title=In the mix: Who's pushing for selection for round 11? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-05-27/in-the-mix-whos-pushing-for-selection-for-round-11 |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=28 May 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Cotchin back to face Roos |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-05-30/round-11-team-announcement |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=30 May 2019}} It was not to be his last AFL match that year however, when he was recalled to senior level in round 13 following two strong matches at half-back in the VFL.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 9 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-06-03/vfl-report-round-9 |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=RIchmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=3 June 2019}}{{cite news |title=VFL Report: Round 10 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-06-11/vfl-report-round-10 |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=11 June 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=TEAMS: Tigers lose three, Crow veterans still out in the cold |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-06-12/teams-tigers-lose-three-crow-veterans-still-out-in-the-cold |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=12 June 2019}} Menadue could manage just 11 disposals however, and was immediately dropped back to reserves level.{{cite news |title=Tigers make seven changes |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-06-28/round-15-team-announcement |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=28 June 2019}}

Despite largely being passed over for selection, Menadue was named an AFL emergency on a club-most eight occasions to round 13, meaning he had been in the emergencies or final lineup for every Richmond AFL side to that point in 2019.{{cite news |last1=Schonafinger |first1=Josh |title=It's an emergency: Who's always getting named but missing the final 22? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-06-26/its-an-emergency-theyre-always-getting-named-but-miss-the-final-22 |access-date=29 July 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=26 June 2019}} He continued to be regularly named as an AFL emergency in the back half of the season, while playing a variety of roles at VFL level including in the midfield and as a forward.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 13 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-07-03/vfl-report-round-13 |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=3 July 2019}}{{cite news |title=AFL teams round 16: Stringer back for Dons |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-teams-round-16-stringer-back-for-dons-20190704-p5245e.html |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=4 July 2019}}{{cite news |title=Ins and outs: AFL round 20 teams |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/ins-and-outs-afl-round-20-teams-20190801-p52d29.html |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=1 August 2019}} Menadue was prolific at VFL level in the lead in to the finals, named best on ground twice in the final six weeks and kicking two goals in each of three separate matches as the side secured a second-straight minor premiership.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 16 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-07-23/vfl-report-round-16 |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=23 July 2019}}{{cite news |title=In the mix: Who's pushing for selection in round 20? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-07-30/in-the-mix-round-20 |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=31 July 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 18 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-08-07/vfl-report-round-18 |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=7 August 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 19 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-08-14/vfl-report-round-19 |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=15 August 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 20 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-08-21/vfl-report-round-20 |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=21 August 2019}} He kicked a further two goals in Richmond's come-from-behind VFL qualifying final victory over the {{VFL Ess}} reserves in the first week of the finals series.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=Nank the hero as VFL Tigers come back from the brink |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-08-31/vfl-qf-match-report |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=31 August 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Phelan |first1=Jennifer |title=Tigers wait on Nank after starring role in stunning VFL win |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-08-31/big-nank-stars-as-tigers-pull-off-stunning-vfl-finals-comeback |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=31 August 2019}} Menadue was best-on-ground in the preliminary final that followed, kicking three goals and recording 27 disposals as Richmond won through to a VFL grand final.{{cite news |last1=Mottershead |first1=James |title=Richmond VFL team through to Grand Final after barnstorming last quarter |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/richmond/richmond-vfl-team-through-to-grand-final-after-barnstorming-last-quarter/news-story/dc28bd0d4dbda504c212e2098b4d32f0 |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=News.com.au |agency=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=14 September 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Navaratnam |first1=Dinny |title=Jumping for joy: Last-quarter blitz powers Tigers into VFL GF |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-09-14/jumping-for-joy-lastquarter-blitz-powers-tigers-into-vfl-gf |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=14 September 2019}}{{cite news |title=In the mix: Who's pushing for selection in the preliminary finals? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-09-17/in-the-mix-whos-pushing-for-selection-in-the-preliminary-finals |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=17 September 2019}} Despite his form, Menadue continued to miss out on selection during the club's AFL finals run and instead stayed with the VFL team as they defeated {{VFL Wil}} in the grand final to win the club's first reserves-grade premiership since 1997.{{cite news |last1=Colangelo |first1=Anthony |title=Tiger Marlion Pickett stakes claim for AFL grand final call-up |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tigers-pull-pair-from-vfl-grand-final-stack-to-play-20190922-p52tpl.html |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=22 September 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Tigers hold on for premiership glory |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-09-22/vfl-tigers-hold-on-for-premiership-glory |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=22 September 2019}} Menadue finished 2019 having played six matches at AFL level along with 15 games for 14 goals in the reserves, including in that year's VFL premiership.{{cite web|title=Scoring Summary|website=2019 Hard Yakka / Totally Workwear VFL|access-date=14 October 2019|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/comp_info.cgi?client=1-118-0-518179-0&a=STATS&sgroup=scoring&sgstat=Gls|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924080104/http://websites.sportstg.com/comp_info.cgi?client=1-118-0-518179-0&a=STATS&sgroup=scoring&sgstat=Gls|archive-date=24 September 2019}}

In the weeks following the end of the 2019 season, media reports began emerging with claims {{AFL Fre}} were interest in trading for the out of contract Menadue given the impending loss of wingers Bradley Hill and Ed Langdon.{{cite news |last1=McGowan |first=Marc |last2=Cleary |first2=Mitch |last3=Barrett |first3=Damian |last4=Beveridge |first4=Riley |date=2 October 2019 |title=Trade Wrap: Decision looms for Fantasia, Dons eye big Blue |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-10-02/trade-wrap-port-waits-on-fantasia-call-dons-eye-big-blue |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media}}{{cite news |title=Trade Period state of play: Your club's targets, what's on the table |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-10-06/trade-period-state-of-play-your-clubs-targets-whats-on-the-table |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=6 October 2019}}{{cite news |title=AFL Trades 2019: Fremantle Dockers circle Tiger to replace stars |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/afl/afl-trades-2019-fremantle-dockers-circle-tiger-to-replace-stars-ng-b881342050z |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=Perth Now |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=3 October 2019}} Richmond list boss Neil Balme expressed public support for Menadue to explore greater AFL-level playing opportunities, before Balme's Fremantle counterpart Peter Bell confirmed on the opening day of the trade period that the club had some initial interest in acquiring Menadue.{{cite news |last1=McGowan |first1=Marc |title=Trade Wrap: 41 players eye new homes, ruck merry-go-round in a spin |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-10-06/trade-wrap-41-players-eye-new-homes-ruck-merrygoround-in-a-spin- |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=6 October 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Black |first1=Sarah |title=Trade Winds: Harley defends Joe catch-up, confirms interest in Lion mid |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-10-07/trade-winds-harley-defends-joe-catchup-saints-win-race-for-speedy-swan |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=7 October 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Schmook |first1=Nathan |title=AFL Trades 2019: 'Really active' Fremantle Dockers rate Richmond Tigers midfielder Connor Menadue |url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl-trades/afl-trades-2019-really-active-dockers-rate-tiger-menadue-ng-b881344895z |access-date=14 October 2019 |work=The West Australian |publisher=Seven West Media |date=7 October 2019}} No trade was completed however, after Fremantle instead chose to prioritise trades for {{AFL Col}}'s James Aish and {{AFL StK}}'s Blake Acres.{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first=Callum |last2=Cleary |first2=Mitch |last3=Beveridge |first3=Riley |last4=McGowan |first4=Marc |date=17 October 2019 |title=Trade Period ranked from worst to best: Who's in, out, draft hand |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-10-16/trade-period-ranked-from-worst-to-best-whos-in-out-draft-hand |access-date=24 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media}} Menadue was delisted by Richmond following the end of the trade period and after 39 AFL matches over five seasons at the club.{{cite news |title=Richmond announces list changes |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-10-22/richmond-announces-list-changes |access-date=24 October 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=22 October 2019}}{{cite news |title=Premiership hero among three Tigers shown the door |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-10-22/premiership-hero-among-three-tigers-shown-the-door |access-date=24 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=22 October 2019}}

Following his delisting at Richmond, Menadue signed on to play VFL football with Werribee for the 2020 VFL Season.{{Cite web|url=http://werribeefc.com.au/news/all-stories/1330-connor-menadue-signs-with-werribee|title=Connor Menadue signs with Werribee|website=werribeefc.com.au|access-date=2019-12-18}} With that competition cancelled due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Menadue effectively sat out from football during the entire 2020 season.

In the 2021 rookie draft held in December 2020, Menadue was drafted by {{AFL NM}} with the club's second pick and the 18th selection overall.{{cite news |title=Rookie Draft: Connor Menadue |url=https://www.nmfc.com.au/news/842526/rookie-draft-connor-menadue |access-date=10 December 2020 |work=North Melbourne FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 December 2020}}

After seven games for North Melbourne, Menadue was delisted at the conclusion of the 2021 AFL season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nmfc.com.au/news/1012261/north-s-farewells|title=North's farewells|date=2 September 2021|work=nmfc.com.au|access-date=2 September 2021}}

: Statistics are correct to the end of the 2020 season

{{AFL player statistics legend}}

{{AFL player statistics start}}

|- style="background-color: #EAEAEA"

! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2015

|{{AFL Ric}}

| 37 || 5 || 1 || 2 || 16 || 13 || 29 || 7 || 10 || 0.2 || 0.4 || 3.2 || 2.6 || 5.8 || 1.4 || 2.0

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2016

|{{AFL Ric}}

| 37 || 14 || 6 || 3 || 80 || 105 || 185 || 50 || 43 || 0.4 || 0.2 || 5.7 || 7.5 || 13.2 || 3.6 || 3.1

|- style="background-color: #EAEAEA"

! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2017

|{{AFL Ric}}

| 37 || 9 || 3 || 1 || 59 || 59 || 118 || 29 || 24 || 0.3 || 0.1 || 6.6 || 6.6 || 13.1 || 3.2 || 2.7

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2018

|{{AFL Ric}}

| 37 || 5 || 1 || 3 || 39 || 21 || 60 || 17 || 9 || 0.2 || 0.6 || 7.8 || 4.2 || 12.0 || 3.4 || 1.8

|- style="background-color: #EAEAEA"

! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2019

|{{AFL Ric}}

| 37 || 6 || 0 || 0 || 62 || 23 || 85 || 19 || 13 || 0.0 || 0.0 || 10.3 || 3.8 || 14.2 || 3.2 || 2.2

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2020

| —

| — || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || —

|- class="sortbottom"

|- class="sortbottom"

! colspan=3| Career

! 39

! 11

! 9

! 256

! 221

! 477

! 122

! 99

! 0.3

! 0.2

! 6.6

! 5.7

! 12.2

! 3.1

! 2.5

|}

2017 Grand Final Sprint Winner

Team

• McClelland Trophy ({{AFL Ric}}): 2018

VFL

• VFL premiership player: 2019

{{reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{AFL Tables|ref=C/Connor_Menadue.html}}
• [http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-richmond-tigers--connor-menadue Connor Menadue's statistics] from Footy Wire

{{2014 AFL national draft}}

{{2021 AFL Rookie Draft}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Menadue, Connor}}

Category:Living people

Category:1996 births

Category:Western Jets players

Category:Australian rules footballers from Victoria (state)

Category:Richmond Football Club players

Category:North Melbourne Football Club players

Category:21st-century Australian sportsmen