Monique Conti
{{short description|Australian rules footballer and basketball player}}
{{Use Australian English|date=February 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2018}}
{{Infobox AFL biography
| fullname = Monique Conti
| name = Monique Conti
| image = Mon Conti 23.02.20 (cropped).jpg
| alt =
| caption = Conti post-match with Richmond in 2020
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1999|12|09|df=y}}
| birth_place = Fitzroy, Victoria
| originalteam = {{VFLW MU}} (VFLW)
| draftpick = No. 4, 2017 national draft
| debutdate = Round 1, 2018
| debutteam = {{AFLW|WB}}
| debutopponent = {{AFLW|Fre}}
| debutstadium = VU Whitten Oval
| height = 165cm
| position = Midfielder
| currentclub = {{AFLW|Ric}}
| guernsey = 4
| years1 = 2018–2019
| club1 = {{AFLW|WB}}
| games_goals1 = 15 {{0}}(4)
| years2 = 2020–
| club2 = {{AFLW|Ric}}
| games_goals2 = 58 (17)
| games_goalstotal = 73 (21)
| statsend = the 2024 season
| careerhighlights =
- AFL Women's premiership player: 2018
- AFL Women's Grand Final best-on-ground: 2018
- AFL Women's best and fairest: 2023
- AFLPA AFLW most valuable player: S7
- Richmond games record holder
- 5× AFL Women's All-Australian team: 2019, 2021, S6, S7, 2023
- Western Bulldogs best and fairest: 2019
- 6× Richmond best and fairest: 2020, 2021, S6, S7, 2023, 2024
- AFL Women's Rising Star nominee: 2018
}}
Monique Conti (born 9 December 1999) is an Australian sportswoman who plays Australian rules football and basketball. Conti currently plays for the Richmond Football Club in the AFL Women's (AFLW), having previously played for the Western Bulldogs from 2018 to 2019. She also plays in the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) for Geelong United.
As an Australian rules footballer, Conti received a nomination for the 2018 AFL Women's Rising Star award in round 4 of the 2018 season and went on to win an AFL Women's premiership with the Bulldogs that season, and was adjudged best afield in the grand final. She was also selected in the 2019 AFL Women's All-Australian team and won the Western Bulldogs best and fairest award in 2019 before moving to Richmond at the end of the season. At Richmond, Conti won the AFL Women's best and fairest award in 2023 and the AFLPA AFLW most valuable player award in season 7, along with the inaugural six Richmond best and fairest awards in her first six seasons at the club and four consecutive AFL Women's All-Australian selections from 2021 to 2023. She is also Richmond's games record holder with 58 games.
As a basketballer, Conti was a member of the Australian team that won the gold medal at the 2016 FIBA Under-17 World Championship for Women and was named in that year's All-Tournament Team. She also won the WNBL Rookie of the Year Award in her first WNBL season with the Melbourne Boomers in 2017, before moving to the Southside Flyers in 2020 and winning a WNBL championship. After a second season with the Flyers in 2022–23, she returned to the Boomers in 2023.
Early life
Conti was born in Fitzroy, Victoria.{{cite web|last=Andrews|first=Dean|title=In her debut AFLW season Monique Conti plays in a premiership and win the medal for best on ground in the Grand Final|url=https://milestonesandmisses.com/2018/04/05/in-her-debut-aflw-season-monique-conti-plays-in-a-premiership-and-wins-the-medal-for-best-on-ground-in-the-grand-final/|work=Milestones and Misses|date=5 April 2018|access-date=4 April 2019}} She studied at Maribyrnong College in her secondary school years, and looked up to other Australian dual-sport athletes such as Ellyse Perry and fellow footballer/basketballer and AFL Women's player Erin Phillips.{{cite web|last=Banister|first=Jack|title=Basketball court or footy field, tiny dancer Conti owns the floor|url=https://www.thecitizen.org.au/articles/basketball-court-or-footy-field-tiny-dancer-conti-owns-the-floor|work=The Citizen|date=23 March 2018|access-date=4 April 2019}}{{cite web|last=Conti|first=Monique|title=The ball is in my court|url=https://www.exclusiveinsight.com/monique-conti-the-ball-is-in-my-court/|work=Exclusive Insight|date=28 February 2018|access-date=4 April 2019}}
Conti started playing football from the age of ten, playing with boys at the Essendon Doutta Stars Football Club until the age of 14 and then in the Melbourne University under-18 youth girls team until the age of 17, making the Vic Metro and All-Australian teams in all three years playing at that level. In September 2016, Conti was one of 15 players from around Australia selected in level 2 of the inaugural AFL Women's academy. Conti played for the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup Girls in 2017 alongside current AFL Women's players such as AFL Women's Rising Star winners Chloe Molloy and Madison Prespakis, and was coached by current player Alicia Eva. Earlier in the year, at a testing day prior to the five-round season, she ranked first among TAC Cup Girls players in both the 20-metre sprint and agility test. Conti also played for Melbourne University in the VFL Women's (VFLW) in 2017 before being drafted.{{cite web|last=Lusted|first=Peter|title=AFLW: Monique Conti in Western Bulldogs line-up days after playing WNBL final|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-03/aflw-monique-conti-bounces-from-basketball-court-to-footy-field/9392028|work=ABC News (Australia)|date=3 February 2018|access-date=4 April 2019}}
Conti started playing basketball from the age of five, playing with the Melbourne Tigers for the entirety of her junior basketball years and in the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL) in 2017 and 2018.{{cite news|title=Monie Conti returns to SEABL Women's team 2018|url=https://www.tigersbasketball.com.au/monique-conti-returns-to-seabl-womens-team-2018/|work=tigersbasketball.com.au|date=20 November 2017|access-date=4 April 2019}} Prior to the creation of the AFL Women's, Conti had aspirations to play college basketball in the United States from a young age, and received offers from over thirty schools to play there at the age of 16, but instead committed to studying at Deakin University, which was aligned with the Melbourne Boomers, allowing her to continue her studies and to continue playing basketball at national level, along with football. She began studying a business degree there in 2018 while also part of its Elite Athlete program.{{cite news|last=Hare|first=Jessie|title="There was a lot of people telling me I can't be good at two things" – Monique Conti proves the doubters wrong|url=http://www.dscribe.net.au/2018/04/09/there-was-a-lot-of-people-telling-me-i-cant-be-good-at-two-things-monique-conti-proves-the-doubters-wrong/|work=Dscribe|date=9 April 2018|access-date=4 April 2019}}
Basketball career
{{Infobox basketball biography
| position = Guard
| league = WNBL
| team = Geelong United
| number =
| career_start = 2015
| years1 = 2015–2019
| team1 = Melbourne Tigers
| years2 = 2016–2020
| team2 = Melbourne Boomers
| years3 = 2020
| team3 = Southside Flyers
| years4 = 2021
| team4 = Melbourne Tigers
| years5 = 2022
| team5 = Casey Cavaliers
| years6 = 2022–2023
| team6 = Southside Flyers
| years7 = 2023–2024
| team7 = Melbourne Boomers
| years8 = 2024–present
| team8 = Geelong United
| highlights =
| medal_templates =
{{MedalCountry|{{AUS}}}}
{{MedalSport|Basketball}}
{{MedalCompetition|FIBA Under-17 World Championship for Women}}
{{MedalGold|2016 Spain | Team}}
}}
=National team=
Conti made her junior international debut at the 2016 U17 World Championship in Spain with the Australian Sapphires, helping the team win the gold medal. Alongside two of her teammates, Conti was named to the All-Tournament Team.{{cite web|url=https://www.fiba.basketball/world/u17women/2016/news/magbegor-named-mvp-of-2016-fiba-u17-womens-world-championship-headlines-all-star-five|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705051525/http://www.fiba.com/world/u17women/2016/news/magbegor-named-mvp-of-2016-fiba-u17-womens-world-championship-headlines-all-star-five|url-status=live|archive-date=5 July 2016|title=Magbegor named MVP of 2016 FIBA U17 Women's World Championship, headlines All-Star Five|publisher=fiba.com}} She went on to compete at the 2016 FIBA Oceania U18 Championship, where she won another gold medal, and then at the 2017 FIBA U19 World Cup.{{cite web|title=Monique Conti|url=https://basketball.australiabasket.com/player/Monique-Conti/362930?Women=1|work=australiabasket.com|access-date=1 June 2023|url-access=subscription}}
=WNBL=
==Melbourne Boomers==
Conti began her professional career with the Melbourne Boomers in the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) in the 2016–17 season, where she remained through 2019–20 season.{{cite web|url=http://wnbl.com.au/boomers-add-australian-sapphires-guard-monique-conti/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829033226/http://wnbl.com.au/boomers-add-australian-sapphires-guard-monique-conti/|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 August 2016|title=Boomers Add Australian Sapphires Guard Monique Conti|publisher=wnbl.com.au}} Prior to the 2019–20 finals, Conti sought a release from her contract over conflicts between her basketball and football commitments.{{cite news |last1=Ward |first1=Roy |title=Monique Conti leaves WNBL club to play full AFLW season with Richmond |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/monique-conti-leaves-wnbl-club-to-play-full-aflw-season-with-richmond-20200130-p53vzh.html |access-date=20 October 2020 |work=The Age |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=30 January 2020}} The release allowed her to play from the opening round of the AFLW season, but saw her give up the final year of her Boomers contract.{{cite news |last1=Waterworth |first1=Ben |title=Cross-code star Monique Conti walks out on Melbourne Boomers to prioritise AFLW |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/aflw-2020-wnbl-2020-monique-conti-walks-out-on-melbourne-boomers-focuses-on-richmond-contract-release/news-story/8b4f19c1b208f1f8853f454a15d98019 |access-date=20 October 2020 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=30 January 2020}}
In June 2023, Conti re-joined the Boomers for the 2023–24 WNBL season.{{cite web|title=Gold stars for all of you who guessed Mon Conti|url=https://www.facebook.com/MelbourneBoomers/videos/824365335203520/|work=facebook.com/MelbourneBoomers|date=2 June 2023|access-date=2 June 2023}}
==Southside Flyers==
Conti joined the Southside Flyers for the 2020 WNBL Hub season in Queensland,{{cite news |title=ELITE DUAL-SPORT ATHLETE MONIQUE CONTI RETURNS TO BASKETBALL WITH THE FLYERS |url=https://wnbl.basketball/southside/news/elite-dual-sport-athlete-monique-conti-returns-to-basketball-with-the-flyers/ |access-date=20 October 2020 |work=Southside Flyers |publisher=Basketball Australia |date=20 October 2020}} with the condensed fixture in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic allowing Conti to complete the full commitments of both the WNBL and AFL Women's seasons.{{cite news |title=Conti signs with Southside Flyers for compressed WNBL season |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/829060/conti-signs-with-southside-flyers-for-compressed-wnbl-season |access-date=20 October 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=20 October 2020}} She helped the Flyers win the championship.{{cite news|last=Ward|first=Roy|title='We did it': Flyers beat Townsville to win first WNBL championship|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/we-did-it-flyers-beat-townsville-to-win-first-wnbl-championship-20201220-p56p22.html|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=20 December 2020|accessdate=29 January 2021}}{{cite news|title=Southside Flyers beat Townsville Fire 99-82 to win WNBL championship|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-20/wnbl-grand-final-southside-flyers-beat-townsville-fire/13001748|work=ABC News (Australia)|date=20 December 2020|accessdate=29 January 2021}}{{cite news|title=Southside Flyers are your WNBL20 champions!|url=https://wnbl.basketball/southside/news/southside-flyers-are-your-wnbl20-champions/|work=wnbl.basketball|date=20 December 2020|accessdate=29 January 2021}} She did not return for the 2021–22 season after choosing to focus solely on her AFL Women's career.{{cite web|last=Rea|first=Scott|title=Southside Flyers WNBL season preview|url=https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/12/04/southside-flyers-wnbl-season-preview/|work=The Roar|date=3 December 2021|access-date=25 January 2022}}
Conti returned to the Flyers for the 2022–23 season.{{cite news|title=FLYERS WELCOME BACK CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYER|url=https://wnbl.basketball/southside/news/flyers-welcome-back-championship-player/|work=wnbl.basketball|date=28 November 2022|access-date=1 June 2023 |author1=Iancoutts }}
==Geelong United==
=State Leagues=
Conti played for the Melbourne Tigers in the Big V in 2015 and 2016. She continued with the Tigers in the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL) in 2017 and 2018 and also in 2019 in the first season of the NBL1. She returned to the Tigers for the 2021 NBL1 South season.
In 2022, Conti played for the Casey Cavaliers in the NBL1 South, but was unable to finish the club's inaugural season in the competition after again choosing to prioritise football, with AFL Women's season seven beginning in August.{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=Hoops on hold as Tigers star sets sights on finals|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/96504/hoops-on-hold-as-tigers-star-sets-sights-on-finals|work=womens.afl|date=5 August 2022|access-date=6 August 2022}}
AFL Women's career
=Western Bulldogs (2018–2019)=
Conti was drafted by the {{AFLW|WB}} with the club's second selection and fourth overall in the 2017 AFL Women's draft.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/womens-afl/2017-aflw-draft-isabel-huntington-goes-at-pick-one-to-western-bulldogs-20171018-gz360j.html|title=2017 AFLW draft: Isabel Huntington goes at pick No.1 to Western Bulldogs|last=Cherney|first=Daniel|date=18 October 2017|work=The Age|location=Fairfax Media|access-date=4 February 2018}} She made her debut in the twenty-six point win against {{AFLW|Fre}} in round 1, 2018 at VU Whitten Oval.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/aflw/aflw-round-1-teams-named-stars-set-for-second-season/news-story/077a366efa799f0a65cbc3eba0645036|title=AFLW Round 1 teams named: Stars set for second season|last=Salemme|first=Kate|date=1 February 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=4 February 2018}} In round 4, Conti received a nomination for the 2018 AFL Women's Rising Star award after recording 16 disposals in her side's win over {{AFLW|Car}},{{cite news|last=Saulry|first=Meg|title=AFLW: Dogs double up again in Rising Star|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-02-27/aflw-dogs-double-up-again-in-rising-star|work=afl.com.au|date=27 February 2018|access-date=27 February 2018}} and went on to finish second in the voting for the award with 39 votes, 11 behind winner Chloe Molloy.{{cite news|last=Navaratnam|first=Dinny|title=W Awards: Dogs star named League B&F|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-03-27/2018-w-awards-who-will-be-the-best-and-fairest|work=afl.com.au|date=27 March 2018|access-date=5 April 2019}} She was also selected in afl.com.au{{'}}s Team of the Week in rounds 3{{cite news|last=Buxton|first=Aaron|title=AFLW Team of the Week: Superstar Crow returns|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-02-19/aflw-team-of-the-week-superstar-crow-returns|work=afl.com.au|date=19 February 2018|access-date=5 April 2019}} and 5.{{cite news|last1=Black|first1=Sarah|last2=Saultry|first2=Meg|title=AFLW: Dees own midfield in team of the week|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-03-06/aflw-three-dees-own-midfield-in-team-of-the-week|work=afl.com.au|date=6 March 2018|access-date=5 April 2019}} Conti was a member of the Western Bulldogs team that won the AFL Women's premiership in 2018, defeating {{AFLW|Bri}} by six points at Ikon Park, and won the medal for best-on-ground in the grand final.{{cite news|last=Matthews|first=Bruce|title=AFLW match report: Dogs take out flag|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-03-24/aflw-grand-final-match-report-western-bulldogs-v-brisbane|work=afl.com.au|date=24 March 2018|access-date=5 April 2019}} She was also named in the initial 2018 AFL Women's All-Australian 40-woman squad.{{cite news|title=AFLW: Pies and Dees dominate AA squad|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-03-21/aflw-pies-and-dees-dominate-aa-squad|work=afl.com.au|date=21 March 2018|access-date=5 April 2019}} The Western Bulldogs signed Conti for the 2019 season during the trade and signing period in May 2018.
Conti improved on her debut season in 2019, achieving selection in womens.afl{{'}}s Team of the Week in round 7 after recording a then-career-high 25 disposals in the Bulldogs' loss to Carlton at VU Whitten Oval{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=Team of the Week: Preliminary final opponents dominate R7|url=https://womens.afl/news/17347/team-of-the-week-preliminary-final-opponents-dominate-r7|work=womens.afl|date=19 March 2019|access-date=5 April 2019}} and finishing equal-fourth in the 2019 AFL Women's best and fairest count with seven votes. She was also named in the 2019 AFL Women's All-Australian team{{cite news|last=Navaratnam|first=Dinny|title=Five Crows, four Roos headline All Australian team|url=https://womens.afl/news/17673/five-crows-four-roos-headline-all-australian-team|work=womens.afl|date=2 April 2019|access-date=5 April 2019}} and won the Western Bulldogs best and fairest award.{{cite news|title=Dual sports star wins Bulldogs' AFLW best and fairest|url=https://womens.afl/news/17757/dual-sports-star-wins-bulldogs-aflw-best-and-fairest|work=womens.afl|date=5 April 2019|access-date=5 April 2019}}
=Richmond (2020–present)=
In April 2019, Conti was traded to {{AFLW|Ric}} for the first selection in the 2019 AFL Women's draft{{cite news|title=AFLW: Tigers trade No.1 pick to poach another star Bulldog|url=https://womens.afl/news/17839/tigers-trade-no-1-pick-to-poach-another-star-bulldog|work=womens.afl|date=24 April 2019|access-date=24 April 2019}} and began playing for the club's VFL Women's team the following month.{{cite web|title=VFLW STATS CENTRAL: Round 3|url=https://vfl.com.au/vflw-stats-central-round-3-2019/|work=vfl.com.au|date=29 May 2019|access-date=3 October 2019}} Conti went on to win the club's VFLW best and fairest award{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=Star Tigers recruit could miss up to three games due to WNBL|url=https://womens.afl/news/39717/star-tigers-recruit-could-miss-up-to-three-games-due-to-wnbl|work=womens.afl|date=17 December 2019|access-date=22 December 2019}}{{cite news|last=Colangelo|first=Anthony|title=Conti's Olympic ambitions won't be dented by more footy|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/conti-s-olympic-ambitions-won-t-be-dented-by-more-footy-20191127-p53el5.html|work=The Age|date=27 November 2019|access-date=22 December 2019}} and finish second in voting for the Lambert–Pearce Medal, despite only playing seven games.{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=AFLW players dominate in state league best and fairest awards|url=https://womens.afl/news/18283/aflw-players-dominate-in-state-league-best-and-fairest-awards|work=womens.afl|date=11 September 2019|access-date=22 December 2019}}{{cite news|last=Kelly|first=Grace|title=Conti runner up in Lambert-Pearce Medal|url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/244921/conti-runner-up-in-lambert-pearce-medal|work=richmondfc.com.au|date=10 September 2019|access-date=22 December 2019}} By December, Conti was expected to miss up to the first five games of Richmond's inaugural season in the AFLW due to the 2020 WNBL Finals clashing with the opening rounds of the 2020 AFL Women's season; however, in January 2020, Conti announced that she had requested to be released from her Melbourne Boomers contract to focus on playing in Richmond's inaugural AFLW season.{{cite news|last=Canil|first=Jourdan|title=Tiger turns back on Boomers to focus on AFLW|url=https://womens.afl/news/42007/tiger-turns-back-on-boomers-to-focus-on-aflw|work=womens.afl|date=30 January 2020|access-date=30 January 2020}}{{cite news|last=Ward|first=Roy|title=Monique Conti leaves WNBL club to play full AFLW season with Richmond|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/monique-conti-leaves-wnbl-club-to-play-full-aflw-season-with-richmond-20200130-p53vzh.html|work=The Age|date=30 January 2020|access-date=30 January 2020}}
File:Mon Conti kicks 23.02.20 (cropped).jpg
Leading into the 2020 season, womens.afl journalist Sarah Black named Conti at no. 13 on her list of the top 30 players in the AFLW.{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=Sarah Black's top 30: New Tiger storms in at No.13|url=https://womens.afl/news/40286/sarah-black-s-top-30|work=womens.afl|date=25 January 2020|access-date=25 January 2020}} She made her Richmond debut in the club's inaugural game against Carlton at Ikon Park, and was named among Richmond's best players.{{cite news|last=Beveridge|first=Riley|title=Match report: Blues batter Tigers in blockbuster opener|url=https://womens.afl/news/42620/match-report-blues-batter-tigers-in-blockbuster-opener|work=womens.afl|date=7 February 2019|access-date=11 February 2019}} Conti was named among Richmond's best players in all six matches, averaging a career-high 19.8 disposals per game,{{cite news|title=Conti selected in AFLW All-Australian squad|url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/582852/conti-selected-in-aflw-all-australian-squad|work=richmondfc.com.au|date=3 April 2020|access-date=6 April 2020}} and was selected in womens.afl{{'}}s Team of the Week in round 4;{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=AFLW Team of the Week, round four|url=https://womens.afl/news/47384/aflw-team-of-the-week-round-four|work=womens.afl|date=3 March 2020|access-date=3 March 2020}} in the round 4 match, Conti recorded five tackles and a career-high 28 disposals in the loss to {{AFLW|Gee}}. She went on to be selected in the initial 40-woman squad for the 2020 AFL Women's All-Australian team.{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=REVEALED: Magpies lead the way in All-Australian squad|url=https://womens.afl/news/50080/revealed-magpies-lead-the-way-in-all-australian-squad|work=womens.afl|date=3 April 2020|access-date=5 April 2020}}{{cite news|title=AFLW statement: 2020 AFLW All-Australian Squad|url=https://womens.afl/news/50079/aflw-statement-2020-aflw-all-australian-squad|work=womens.afl|date=3 April 2020|access-date=5 April 2020}}{{cite news|last=Negrepontis|first=Nic|title=Official 2020 AFLW All-Australian squad revealed|url=https://www.sen.com.au/news/2020/04/03/official-2020-aflw-all-australian-squad-revealed/|work=SEN|date=3 April 2020|access-date=5 April 2020}} Conti was also selected in the AFL Players Association's inaugural AFL Women's 22under22 team,{{cite news|last=Beveridge|first=Riley|title=AFLPA award winners revealed: MVP, best captain, more|url=https://womens.afl/news/50111/aflpa-award-winners-revealed-mvp-best-captain-more|work=womens.afl|date=20 April 2020|access-date=21 April 2020}}{{cite news|last=Negrepontis|first=Nic|title=2020 AFLW 22 under 22 team revealed|url=https://www.sen.com.au/news/2020/04/20/2020-aflw-22-under-22-team-revealed/|work=SEN|date=20 April 2020|access-date=21 April 2020}}{{cite news|title=AFLW 22under22 side revealed|url=http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/aflw-22under22-side-revealed/|work=aflplayers.com.au|date=20 April 2020|access-date=21 April 2020}} having earlier been selected in the retrospective 2017–2019 team,{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=Crows dominate inaugural 22under22 squad|url=https://womens.afl/news/50053/crows-dominate-inaugural-22under22-squad|work=womens.afl|date=26 March 2020|access-date=21 April 2020}} and won the inaugural Richmond best and fairest award.{{cite news|title=Best and fairest wrap-up: Who won your club's awards?|url=https://womens.afl/news/50116/best-and-fairest-wrap-up-who-won-your-club-s-awards-|work=womens.afl|date=29 May 2020|access-date=29 May 2020}}{{cite news|title=Conti becomes Richmond's inaugural AFLW best and fairest|url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/700382/conti-becomes-richmond-s-inaugural-aflw-best-and-fairest|work=richmondfc.com.au|date=29 May 2020|access-date=29 May 2020}}
Leading into the 2021 season, Sarah Black again named Conti at no. 13 on her annual list of the top 30 players in the AFLW.{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=Sarah Black's top 30 AFLW players: Blues dynamo rockets up to No.1|url=https://womens.afl/news/54844/sarah-black-s-top-30-aflw-players-blues-dynamo-rockets-up-to-no-1|work=womens.afl|date=27 January 2021|accessdate=29 January 2021}} Conti was among the club's best players in round 1{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=Lions master windy conditions to tame Tigers|url=https://womens.afl/news/57697/lions-master-windy-conditions-to-tame-tigers|work=womens.afl|date=31 January 2021|access-date=5 March 2021}} and was named Richmond's best player in the following four matches.{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=Ferocious Dees show no mercy in Tiger mauling|url=https://womens.afl/news/59035/ferocious-dees-show-no-mercy-in-tiger-mauling|work=womens.afl|date=6 February 2021|access-date=5 March 2021}}{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=Magpies too strong for plucky Tigers to remain unbeaten|url=https://womens.afl/news/60680/magpies-too-strong-for-plucky-tigers-to-remain-unbeaten|work=womens.afl|date=14 February 2021|access-date=5 March 2021}}{{cite news|last=Beveridge|first=Riley|title=Blues breathe a sigh of relief after holding off spirited Tigers|url=https://womens.afl/news/61498/blues-breathe-a-sigh-of-relief-after-holding-off-spirited-tigers|work=womens.afl|date=20 February 2021|access-date=5 March 2021}}{{cite news|author=Australian Associated Press|title=Tiger time: Richmond records first-ever win after crushing Cats|url=https://womens.afl/news/63091/tiger-time-richmond-records-first-ever-win-after-crushing-cats|work=womens.afl|date=26 February 2021|access-date=5 March 2021}} She best afield in the round 4 loss to Carlton and Richmond's inaugural AFLW win against Geelong in round 5, and was selected in womens.afl{{'}}s Team of the Week for those same rounds.{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=AFLW Team of the Week, round four|url=https://womens.afl/news/62872/aflw-team-of-the-week-round-four|work=womens.afl|date=23 February 2021|access-date=5 March 2021}}{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=AFLW Team of the Week, round five|url=https://womens.afl/news/64369/aflw-team-of-the-week-round-five|work=womens.afl|date=2 March 2021|access-date=5 March 2021}} Conti pulled up sore from the round 5 match, and was a late withdrawal the following week with hamstring soreness;{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=Mon gone: Tigers suffer massive blow with star mid a late out|url=https://womens.afl/news/64563/mon-gone-tigers-suffer-massive-blow-with-star-mid-a-late-out|work=womens.afl|date=5 March 2021|access-date=5 March 2021}} she was among the best afield with 25 disposals and seven tackles upon her return in Richmond's round 7 win against {{AFLW|GC}}.{{cite news|author=Australian Associated Press|title=Skipper shines for Tigers to keep Suns winless|url=https://womens.afl/news/65635/skipper-shines-for-tigers-to-keep-suns-winless|work=womens.afl|date=12 March 2021|access-date=12 March 2021}} At the conclusion of the season, Conti was selected in the 2021 AFL Women's All-Australian team.{{cite news|title=REVEALED: The 2021 AFLW All-Australian team|url=https://womens.afl/news/71754/revealed-the-2021-aflw-all-australian-team|work=womens.afl|date=20 April 2021|access-date=21 June 2021}}{{cite news|last=Zita|first=David|title=Two AFLW greats reach footy immortality as All-Australian squad revealed|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2021-aflw-all-australian-side-full-squad-captain-best-players-brianna-davey-karen-paxman-emma-kearney/news-story/0868ae4c3280c39a18aea11e794fe2ca|work=Fox Sports (Australia)|date=20 April 2021|access-date=21 June 2021}} Conti also achieved selection in Champion Data's 2021 AFLW All-Star stats team after leading the league for average ground-ball gets in the 2021 season, totalling 10.6 a game, a league record to that point.{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=All-Star stats team: Shock leaders, lone Lion makes the cut|url=https://womens.afl/news/72761/all-star-stats-team-shock-leaders-lone-lion-makes-the-cut|work=womens.afl|date=19 June 2021|access-date=19 June 2021}}
Conti focused solely on the upcoming AFL Women's season leading into 2022, completing a full pre-season for the first time after her WNBL commitments prevented her from doing so in previous years.{{cite news|author=Australian Associated Press|title=Why Conti's big pre-season makes her a terrifying 2022 prospect|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/78671/why-conti-s-big-pre-season-makes-her-a-terrifying-2022-prospect|work=womens.afl|date=6 January 2022|access-date=8 January 2022}} She was named at no. 10 in Sarah Black's 2022 season 6 list of the top 30 players in the AFLW, which was Conti's first appearance in the top ten.{{cite web|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=Sarah Black's Top 30 AFLW players|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/78307/sarah-black-s-top-30-aflw-players-5-1|work=womens.afl|date=6 January 2022|access-date=8 January 2022}} Conti was best afield with a career-high 29 disposals and nine clearances in Richmond's round 1 win against {{AFLW|StK}}, with {{AFL Gee}} AFL midfielder and Brownlow Medallist Patrick Dangerfield tweeting during the match that she could win that season's AFL Women's best and fairest award playing at that level if Richmond won enough games;{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=Straight-shooting Tigers get season off to perfect start|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/78678/straight-shooting-tigers-get-season-off-to-perfect-start|work=womens.afl|date=7 January 2022|access-date=8 January 2022}} she also won the maximum ten coaches' votes{{cite news|title=AFLCA votes, R1: Five perfect 10s, but who got the Derby nod?|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/79609/aflca-votes-r1-five-perfect-10s-but-who-got-the-derby-nod-|work=womens.afl|date=10 January 2022|access-date=11 January 2022}} and was named in womens.afl{{'}}s Team of the Week.{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=AFLW Team of the Week, round one|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/79610/aflw-team-of-the-week-round-one|work=womens.afl|date=11 January 2022|access-date=11 January 2022}} Conti was named among Richmond's best players in round 2 with 25 disposals and her first goal for Richmond in its loss to {{AFLW|Mel}};{{cite news|last=Bastiani|first=Gemma|title=Demons survive early scare to tame Tigers|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/79993/demons-survive-early-scare-to-tame-tigers|work=womens.afl|date=14 January 2022|access-date=14 January 2022}} she polled eight coaches' votes, the equal-most for the match{{cite news|title=AFLCA votes, R2: Back-to-back 10s for star Crow, No.1 pick's perfect game|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/81052/aflca-votes-r2-back-to-back-10s-for-star-crow-no-1-pick-s-perfect-game|work=womens.afl|date=17 January 2022|access-date=20 January 2022}} and was also selected in womens.afl{{'}}s Team of the Week for that round.{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=AFLW Team of the Week, round two|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/81094/aflw-team-of-the-week-round-two|work=womens.afl|date=18 January 2022|access-date=20 January 2022}} She was named Richmond's best player in its loss to Fremantle in round 3{{cite news|last=Gabelich|first=Josh|title=Dockers cruise home with a wet sail after early Tiger tussle|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/81416/dockers-cruise-home-with-a-wet-sail-after-early-tiger-tussle|work=womens.afl|date=22 January 2022|access-date=22 January 2022}} and was the only Richmond player to poll coaches' votes, with six.{{cite news|title=AFLCA votes, R3: Gun Roo storms to the top, superstar Tiger in hot pursuit|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/81969/aflca-votes-r3-gun-roo-storms-to-the-top-superstar-tiger-in-hot-pursuit|work=womens.afl|date=25 January 2022|access-date=25 January 2022}} Despite being heavily tagged, Conti was named among Richmond's best players in its loss to Gold Coast in round 4 with a team-high 21 disposals and game-high ten tackles,{{cite news|last=Whiting|first=Michael|title=Rising Suns storm home to run over top of Tigers in thriller|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/82764/rising-suns-storm-home-to-run-over-top-of-tigers-in-thriller|work=womens.afl|date=30 January 2022|access-date=30 January 2022}} and was Richmond's best player in its loss to the Western Bulldogs in round 5,{{cite news|last=Gabelich|first=Josh|title=Happy birthday, coach: Dogs deliver for Burkey, injury woe for Tigers|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/83840/happy-birthday-coach-dogs-deliver-for-burkey-injury-woe-for-tigers|work=womens.afl|date=6 February 2022|access-date=7 February 2022}} polling five coaches' votes.{{cite news|title=AFLCA votes, R5: FIVE players nab perfect votes, tie at the top|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/84189/aflca-votes-r5-five-players-nab-perfect-votes-tie-at-the-top|work=womens.afl|date=9 February 2022|access-date=9 February 2022}} She was also Richmond's best player in its loss to {{AFLW|NM}} in round 6{{cite news|last=Gabelich|first=Josh|title=Roos see off Tiger challenge to stay in touch with top two|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/84683/roos-see-off-tiger-challenge-to-stay-in-touch-with-top-two|work=womens.afl|date=12 February 2022|access-date=13 February 2022}} and was best afield with 24 disposals, nine tackles and a goal in Richmond's win over {{AFLW|WC}} in round 7.{{cite news|last=Schmook|first=Nathan|title=Yellow and BACK: Tigers snag second win of the season|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/85979/yellow-and-back-tigers-snag-second-win-of-the-season|work=womens.afl|date=19 February 2022|access-date=19 February 2022}} Conti also received the maximum ten coaches' votes{{cite news|title=AFLCA votes, R7: Tayla's perfect ten, trio tied at the top|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/86688/aflca-votes-r7-tayla-s-perfect-ten-trio-tied-at-the-top|work=womens.afl|date=23 February 2022|access-date=23 February 2022}} and was selected in womens.afl{{'}}s Team of the Week for round 7.{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=AFLW Team of the Week, round seven|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/86833/aflw-team-of-the-week-round-seven|work=womens.afl|date=23 February 2022|access-date=23 February 2022}} Conti was Richmond's best player in its last three matches of the season,{{cite news|author=Australian Associated Press|title=Cats ride awesome first half to strong win over Tigers|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/87236/cats-ride-awesome-first-half-to-strong-win-over-tigers|work=womens.afl|date=26 February 2022|access-date=26 February 2022}}{{cite news|author=Australian Associated Press|title=Tigers survive late scare to notch up Giant win|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/88619/tigers-survive-late-scare-to-notch-up-giant-win|work=womens.afl|date=5 March 2022|access-date=5 March 2022}}{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=Pies lock in finals spot without much Tiger trouble|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/89939/pies-lock-in-finals-spot-without-much-tiger-trouble|work=womens.afl|date=12 March 2022|access-date=12 March 2022}} polling the maximum ten coaches' votes in round 9.{{cite web|title=AFL Coaches Association - AFLW Champion Player of the Year (round 9, 2022)|url=https://aflcoaches.com.au/awards/aflw-champion-player-of-the-year-award/leaderboard/2022/20220209|work=AFL Coaches Association|access-date=21 March 2022}} Conti was named in Champion Data's 2022 season 6 AFLW All-Star stats team after leading the competition for contested possessions with 15.2 a game.{{cite news|last=Bastiani|first=Gemma|title=All-Star stats team: Crows lead the way, one Pie makes the cut|url=https://www.womens.afl/news/90891/all-star-stats-team-crows-lead-the-way-one-pie-makes-the-cut|work=womens.afl|date=18 March 2021|access-date=21 March 2021}}
Leading into the 2023 season, Sarah Black named Conti at no. 1 on her annual list of the top 30 players in the AFLW.{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title=Sarah Black's top 30: Ten best players revealed|url=https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1010277/sarah-blacks-top-10-aflw-players-revealed-is-she-right|work=afl.com.au|date=21 August 2023|access-date=30 August 2023}}
In 2024, Conti was named Richmond's best player in its loss to West Coast in round 1{{cite news|last=Somerford|first=Ben|title=Eagles edge Tigers in thriller to give Daisy winning start|url=https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1207737/west-coast-eagles-edge-richmond-tigers-in-thriller-to-give-daisy-pearce-winning-start|website=afl.com.au|date=30 August 2024|access-date=1 September 2024}} and was among Richmond's best players in wins over Greater Western Sydney in round 2{{cite news|author1=Australian Associated Press|last2=Kalinic|first2=Dejan|title=Tigers hold off Giants to claim first win of season|url=https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1215621/richmond-tigers-hold-off-greater-western-sydney-giants-to-claim-first-win-of-season|website=afl.com.au|date=8 September 2024|access-date=8 September 2024}} and Sydney in round 3.{{cite news|author1=Australian Associated Press|last2=O'Connor|first2=Alison|title=Tigers skipper shines in Richmond's thumping win over Swans|url=https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1219258/richmond-tigers-skipper-katie-brennan-stars-in-richmonds-big-win-over-sydney-swans|website=afl.com.au|date=14 September 2024|access-date=16 September 2024}} She was best afield in Richmond's win over Carlton in week 4, which was her 50th game for Richmond, with a game-high 32 disposals and ten clearances.{{cite news|last=McWilliams|first=Phoebe|author-link=Phoebe McWilliams|title=Conti runs riot as Tigers stroll past goalless Blues|url=https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1223442/monique-conti-runs-riot-as-richmond-tigers-stroll-past-goalless-carlton-blues|website=afl.com.au|date=19 September 2024|access-date=23 September 2024}}
Statistics
Updated to the end of the 2024 season.{{cite web|title=Monique Conti – player stats by season|url=https://australianfootball.com/players/playerseason/Monique+Conti/20152|publisher=Australian Football|access-date=30 August 2024}}
{{Australian rules football statistics legend|p=y|s=y|w=y}}
{{AFLW player statistics start}}
|-
| bgcolor=F0E68C | 2018# || {{AFLW|WB}} || 8
| 8 || 3 || 3 || 71 || 39 || 110 || 23 || 14 || 0.4 || 0.4 || 8.9 || 4.9 || 13.8 || 2.9 || 1.8 || 0
|-
| 2019 || {{AFLW|WB}} || 8
| 7 || 1 || 3 || 73 || 53 || 126 || 20 || 31 || 0.1 || 0.4 || 10.4 || 7.6 || 18.0 || 2.9 || 4.4 || 7
|-
| 2020 || {{AFLW|Ric}} || 4
| 6 || 0 || 2 || 61 || 58 || 119 || 16 || 29 || 0.0 || 0.3 || 10.2 || 9.7 || 19.8 || 2.7 || 4.8 || 7
|-
| 2021 || {{AFLW|Ric}} || 4
| 8 || 0 || 2 || 86 || 92 || 178 || 14 || 25 || 0.0 || 0.3 || 10.8 || bgcolor=CAE1FF | 11.5† || 22.3 || 1.8 || 3.1 || 12
|-
| 2022 (S6) || {{AFLW|Ric}} || 4
| 10 || 2 || 3 || 117 || 122 || 239 || 16 || 59 || 0.2 || 0.3 || 11.7 || 12.2 || 23.9 || 1.6 || 5.9 || 11
|-
| 2022 (S7) || {{AFLW|Ric}} || 4
| 12 || 9 || 8 || 123 || 130 || 253 || 22 || 73 || 0.8 || 0.7 || 10.3 || 10.8 || 21.1 || 1.8 || 6.1 || 19
|-
| 2023 || {{AFLW|Ric}} || 4
| 10 || 4 || 5 || 159 || 126 || 285 || 29 || 58 || 0.4 || 0.5 || 15.9 || 12.6 || 28.5 || 2.9 || 5.8 || bgcolor=98FB98 | 23±
|-
| 2024 || {{AFLW|Ric}} || 4
| 12 || 2 || 9 || 156 || 150 || 306 || 24 || 78 || 0.2 || 0.8 || 13.0 || 12.5 || 25.5 || 2.0 || 6.5 || 17
|- class=sortbottom
! colspan=3 | Career
! 73 !! 21 !! 35 !! 846 !! 770 !! 1616 !! 164 !! 367 !! 0.3 !! 0.5 !! 11.6 !! 10.5 !! 22.1 !! 2.2 !! 5.0 !! 96
|}
Honours and achievements
Team
- AFL Women's premiership player ({{AFLW|WB}}): 2018
- AFL Women's minor premiership ({{AFLW|WB}}): 2018
Individual
- AFL Women's Grand Final best-on-ground: 2018
- AFL Women's best and fairest: 2023
- AFLPA AFLW most valuable player: S7
- Richmond games record holder
- 5× AFL Women's All-Australian team: 2019, 2021, S6, S7, 2023
- Western Bulldogs best and fairest: 2019
- 6× Richmond best and fairest: 2020, 2021, S6, S7, 2023, 2024
- AFL Women's Rising Star nominee: 2018
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Richplayer|id=aflw/1769/monique-conti}}
- {{AustralianFootball}}
- {{Instagram|id=moniiquecontii}}
{{Richmond AFL Women's player squad}}
{{2018 Western Bulldogs premiership players (AFLW)}}
{{AFL Women's Grand Final best-on-ground}}
{{AFL Women's best and fairest winners}}
{{AFLPA AFLW most valuable player}}
{{AFL Women's club games record holders}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Monique Conti in {{coloured link|#3C9|AFL Women's All-Australian team|AFL Women's All-Australian teams}}
| titlestyle = background:#003; color:#3C9
| list1 =
{{2019 AFL Women's All-Australian team}}
{{2021 AFL Women's All-Australian team}}
{{2022 AFL Women's season 6 All-Australian team}}
{{2022 AFL Women's season 7 All-Australian team}}
{{2023 AFL Women's All-Australian team}}
}}
{{Western Bulldogs best and fairest (AFL Women's)}}
{{Richmond best and fairest (AFL Women's)}}
{{Inaugural Richmond AFL Women's team}}
{{2018 AFL Women's Rising Star nominees}}
{{2017 AFL Women's draft}}
{{Australia Under-17 Women Basketball Squad 2016}}
{{Australia Under-19 Women Basketball Squad 2017}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Conti, Monique}}
Category:Australian people of Italian descent
Category:Australian rules footballers from Melbourne
Category:Australian women's basketball players
Category:Geelong United WNBL players
Category:Melbourne Boomers players
Category:Melbourne University Football Club (VFLW) players
Category:People educated at Maribyrnong College
Category:People from Fitzroy, Victoria
Category:Richmond Football Club (AFLW) players
Category:Southside Flyers players
Category:Sportspeople of Italian descent
Category:Sportswomen from Victoria (state)