Reece Conca

{{Infobox AFL biography

| name = Reece Conca

| image = Reece Conca 2017.4.jpg

| image_size = 200px

| caption = Conca with Richmond in March 2017

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1992|08|12}}

| birth_place =

| death_date =

| death_place =

| originalteam = Perth (WAFL)

| draftpick = No. 6, 2010 AFL National Draft

| debutdate = Round 1, 2011

| debutteam = {{AFL Ric}}

| debutopponent = {{AFL Car}}

| debutstadium = MCG

| height = 181 cm

| weight = 83 kg

| position = Midfielder / defender

| years1 = 2011–2018

| club1 = {{AFL Ric}}

| games_goals1 = 104 (23)

| years2 = 2019–2021

| club2 = {{AFL Fre}}

| games_goals2 = {{0}}46 {{0}}(2)

| games_goalstotal = 150 (25)

| statsend = the 2021 season

| careerhighlights = *AFL Rising Star nominee: 2011

Cosgrove-Jenkins award (RFC Best First-Year Player): 2011

}}

Reece Conca (born 12 August 1992) is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Fremantle Football Club and the Richmond Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Drafted by the Tigers with the sixth overall pick in the 2010 AFL National Draft, Conca played 104 games across eight seasons with the club before moving to Fremantle as a free agent ahead of the 2019 season.

Early life and junior football

Conca was born to parents Loui and Gina, with an older brother named Luke and a twin sister named Cassie.{{cite news|last1=O'Donoghue|first1=Craig|title=Genes are kind to top junior prospect Conca|url=https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/genes-are-kind-to-top-junior-prospect-conca-ng-ya-210662|access-date=21 May 2018|work=The West Australian|publisher=Seven West Media|date=29 May 2010}} He spent his formative years in Victoria Park, Western Australia, a suburb three kilometres south-east of Perth.{{cite book|last1=Marshall|first1=Konrad|title=Yellow & Black: A Season with Richmond|date=15 November 2016|publisher=Slattery Media Group|location=Melbourne, Victoria, Australia|isbn=9780987342898|page=149}}

As a junior, Conca was a talented soccer player but did not start playing competitive Australian rules football with the local Victoria Park side until the age of 13.{{cite news|last1=Elborough|first1=Brad|title=WA Under 18s to tackle South Australia in tough Round 1 challenge|url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa/wa-under-18s-to-tackle-south-australia-in-tough-round-1-challenge-ng-0b49b5f819c19a7eddb0dcd9d361e4bb|access-date=21 May 2018|work=Perth Now|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=27 May 2010}} He was quick to learn however, playing above his age group within his first year of picking up the sport. By the time he turned 16 he had already twice represented his state at national level and made his debut for the local representative Perth Football Club's WAFL colts side.

He attended high school at Perth's Trinity College and graduated in 2009 after captaining the school's senior football side.

Conca then began studying a university degree in commerce and psychology while in his final year of junior football eligibility in 2010.{{cite book|last1=Marshall|first1=Konrad|title=Yellow & Black: A Season with Richmond|date=15 November 2016|publisher=Slattery Media Group|location=Melbourne, Victoria, Australia|isbn=9780987342898|page=150}} That year he made a role change, from half-back to inside midfielder. He ceased playing for his school and local club that year, instead focusing on playing state team matches and with the Perth WAFL colts side. He was impressive throughout that year including recording multiple 30 possession games in the colts side.{{cite news |title=Tiger draft recall: Reece Conca |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2014-11-20/tiger-draft-recall-reece-conca |access-date=9 June 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=20 November 2014}} As a result, he earned a senior WAFL debut with Perth at age 17 where he showed off his good ball use, strong evasive skills and his ability to win high possessions numbers.

At the 2010 AFL Under 18 Championships he again represented Western Australia and was this time the team's vice captain. Through the tournament Conca average 18 disposals per game at an efficiency of 79 per cent.{{cite news|last1=Clark|first1=John|title=Fox Sports brings you an in-depth look at 30 young guns that featured in the 2010 AFL NAB Draft|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/fox-sports-brings-you-an-in-depth-look-at-30-young-guns-set-to-feature-in-the-2010-afl-nab-draft/news-story/bf79051c0eee9625f645c46d89c3faab?sv=e238f0f54735006a9f8053e73692b200|access-date=21 May 2018|work=Fox Sports|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=17 November 2010}}

During this final year of junior football he suffered a broken left fibula but managed to play a mostly full season despite it.

=AFL recruitment=

In November 2010 Conca was predicted by the Herald Sun's Jay Clark to be selected by {{AFL Syd}} with the 21st overall selection in the forthcoming draft. He was at the same time compared to former {{AFL Ade}} player Tyson Edwards and praised for his speed, creativity and midfield versatility.{{cite news|last1=Clark|first1=Jay|title=Our phantom AFL national draft|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/your-pick-of-the-afl-national-draft/news-story/3652108fdfd7cc2775fad0b40905eb3a?sv=93cb9f6cc2d00c1ff9512537604b34e1|access-date=21 May 2018|work=The Courier Mail|agency=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=5 November 2010}} Conca was also noted for his abilities as a roaming defender along with his ability to handball cleanly in congestion. In the days leading into the draft Conca and his management expected he would be selected by {{AFL PA}} with the 16th pick. Meanwhile, the Herald Sun adjusted their predication and had him to be selected sixth overall by {{AFL Ric}}, a prediction matched by Emma Quayle of The Age.{{cite news|last1=Quayle|first1=Emma|title=The future is in their hands|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/the-future-is-in-their-hands-20101117-17xqp.html|access-date=21 May 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=18 November 2010}}{{cite news|last1=Clark|first1=Jay|title=Our 2010 AFL phantom draft|url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa/our-2010-afl-phantom-draft-ng-7e968e9298eb62971fe0a7294ef5a755|access-date=21 May 2018|work=Perth Now|agency=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=18 November 2010}} On the afternoon of the draft Richmond's club website published an article seemingly confirming they planned to draft Conca with their first selection.{{cite news|last1=Hanlon|first1=Peter|title=Back when men were men|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/back-when-men-were-men-20101118-17zax.html|access-date=21 May 2018|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=19 November 2010}}{{cite news|last1=Paton|first1=Al|title=Tigers let draft pick Reece Conca out of bag|url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/tigers-let-draft-pick-reece-conca-out-of-bag/news-story/a76545acd8acf86647f96c1d45a3b366?sv=e658b25bd42c7e268c7f49e5de7afda4|access-date=21 May 2018|work=The Advertiser|agency=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=18 November 2010}}

AFL career

=Richmond (2011–2018)=

==2011 season==

Conca was drafted by {{AFL Ric}} with the club's first pick and the sixth selection overall in the 2010 AFL national draft.{{cite news|title=2010 AFL National Draft: who your club picked|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/2010-afl-national-draft-who-your-club-picked-20101118-17zfd.html|access-date=21 May 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media}}

He had a limited start to professional training, hampered by the continuing complications as a result of the broken fibula he suffered the year previous. One of six first round draft selections on the Richmond list in 2011, Conca came to the club with significant expectations despite the injury affected pre-season.{{cite news|last1=Patrick|first1=Sam|title=Richmond need a big improvement in 2011|url=https://www.theroar.com.au/2011/03/17/richmond-tigers-continuous-improvement-season-preview/|access-date=22 May 2018|work=The Roar|date=17 March 2011}}{{cite news|last1=Ryan|first1=Peter|title=Breaking the cycle|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2011-03-17/breaking-the-cycle|access-date=22 May 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=17 March 2011}} He lived up to them early, making his AFL debut with a 15 disposal performance in round 1 of the 2011 season in a match against {{AFL Car}} at the MCG.{{cite web|title=Round 1, 2011, Carlton vs. Richmond|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2011/031420110324.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=22 May 2018}} To mid-May Conca had played in each of Richmond's seven matches and did so to a level that club officials described as comparable to the debut season of teammate and future Brownlow Medalist Dustin Martin.{{cite news|last1=Niall|first1=Jake|title=Tigers list their mistakes|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tigers-list-their-mistakes-20110514-1enk4.html|access-date=22 May 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=15 May 2011}} In round 9 he received a nomination for the 2011 AFL Rising Star award for a "stellar performance" against {{AFL Ess}} in which he recorded 23 disposals and an equal game-high eight marks."{{cite web|title=All Conca-ing|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/114579/default.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525224626/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/114579/default.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 May 2011|publisher=AFL.com.au|first=Luke|last=Holmesby|date=23 May 2011|access-date=24 May 2011}}{{cite web|title=Round 9, 2011, Richmond vs. Essendon|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2011/051420110521.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=22 May 2018}} To that point he carried averages of 18.9 disposals, five marks and 2.2 tackles per game. Conca remained in the side for a further four matches but saw his output reduced before being left out of the side to face Carlton in round 15.{{cite news|title=Bombers drop Bellchambers for Cats|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-06-30/bombers-drop-bellchambers-for-cats/2778216|access-date=22 May 2018|work=ABC.com.au|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=30 June 2011}} He returned after just one week however, playing in rounds 16 through 18 before missing another single match in round 19. Conca returned in round 20 to play just one more match at senior level that year. He finished 2011 having played 17 matches and held averages of 15.6 disposals, four marks and 1.8 tackles per game. Conca was awarded the Cosgrove-Jenkins award at season's end as the club's best first year player.{{cite web|last1=Rhett Bartlett & Trevor Ruddell|title=Best First Year Player|url=https://www.tigerlandarchive.org/tiki-index.php?page=Best+First+Year+Player|website=Tigerland Archive|access-date=22 May 2018}}

==2012 season==

A second limited pre-season awaited Conca in 2012, sidelined by groin soreness and hip arthroscopic surgery. He was fully fit for pre-season matches however, and in the NAB Cup opener, Conca was involved in a collision where he appeared to purposely block the path of unsuspecting {{AFL NM}}'s defender Leigh Adams.{{cite news|last1=Lienert|first1=Sam|title=Tiger Conca faces ban|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tiger-conca-faces-ban-20120218-1tg6z.html|access-date=23 May 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=19 February 2012}} The AFL's Match Review Panel considered the high hit unintentional despite it occurring behind the play and graded it as reckless contact with high contact and high impact.{{cite news|last1=Paton|first1=Al|title=Richmond midfielder Reece Conca offered three-week ban|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/reece-conca-could-face-a-month-on-the-sidelines/news-story/c8d0e8e2be5303de7b723af969b76465?sv=66461525f14719a5f9d369bbaef03815|access-date=23 May 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=19 February 2012}} The classification drew 425 demerit points and four-match suspension though a guilty plea entered by Conca reduced this suspension to three-matches.{{cite news|last1=Robinson|first1=Mark|title=Tiger Reece Conca's clash with Leigh Adams deemed not intentional|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/conca-clear-for-round-1/news-story/c80d1810e4a9bf22e9cc465939e3c808?sv=9240ac3318df205f019b1dfdff6d0968|access-date=23 May 2018|work=The Courier Mail|agency=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=21 February 2012}} Due to rules in force that season but removed the year after, Conca was permitted to serve that three match suspension of the remainder of the pre-season competition, leaving him free to play in round 1 of the home and away season.{{cite news|title=Conca accepts three-match ban|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-21/conca-accepts-three-match-ban/3842588|access-date=23 May 2018|work=ABC.com.au|agency=AAP|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=21 February 2012}}{{cite news|last1=Al Paton & Mark Robinson|title=AFL changes rules so NAB Cup suspensions must be served in home-and-away season|url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/afl-changes-rules-so-nab-cup-suspensions-must-be-served-in-home-and-away-season/news-story/6682139085922a9c318739c0540c4d0b|access-date=23 May 2018|work=News.com.au|agency=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=21 November 2012}} That he did, returning to the club's best 22 in round 1 before turning in an impressive round 2 performance with 21 disposals and his first goal of his career in his 19th match. He doubled that mark in round 3, kicking two goals and recording a career-best 29 disposals in a round 3 win over {{AFL Mel}}.{{cite web|title=Round 3, 2012, Richmond vs. Melbourne|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2012/111420120414.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=22 May 2018}} Conca kicked goals again in rounds 6 and 7 before entering the bye in round 13 having played in all 12 of Richmond's AFL matches and holding averages of 18.5 disposals, 4.3 marks and 2.9 tackles per game. He missed his first match of the season in round 14 immediately following the bye before returning with 23 disposals against Melbourne in round 15. Two weeks later he was one of 11 Richmond players fined for participating in a melee during a tight loss to North Melbourne.{{cite web|last1=Rhett Bartlett & Trevor Ruddell|title=Tribunal|url=https://www.tigerlandarchive.org/tiki-index.php?page=Tribunal|website=Tigerland Archive|access-date=23 May 2018}} Conca was impressive in round 19 when he matched his career-best 29 disposals and added seven marks, a performance that earned him his first Brownlow Medal vote of his career.{{cite news|title=Lions Brownlow Medal Preview|url=http://www.lions.com.au/news/2012-09-24/lions-brownlow-medal-preview|access-date=22 May 2018|work=Brisbane FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=24 September 2012}} He remained in the team for just one game though, fracturing the third metatarsal in his right foot while playing against the {{AFL WB}} in round 20.{{cite news |last1=Phelan |first1=Jennifer |title=Conca on track |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2013-02-14/conca-on-track |access-date=9 June 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=14 February 2013}} It would prove his last match at AFL level that season, finishing the year having played 18 matches and averaging 19.4 disposals, 4.1 marks and 3.2 tackles per game. He also placed 15th in the club's best and fairest count.{{cite news|title=Jack Dyer Medal short passes|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2013-09-30/jack-dyer-medal-short-passes|access-date=23 May 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=30 September 2013}}

==2013 season==

File:Conca evading tackle (cropped).jpg

The lead up to the 2013 season was hampered by the continuing effects of the foot injury suffered the year previous, with the fracture failing to heal properly and Conca developing Achilles soreness as a result that saw him spend 10 weeks in a stabilising moon boot. He returned to fitness before the season began, and the year saw Conca make his biggest scoreboard impact of his career, a feat that started with a goal in round 1's win over Carlton.{{cite news|last1=Jellie|first1=Dugald|title=Tiger tiger burning bright: Round 1 report (an ode to Luke McGuane)|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2013-04-02/tiger-tiger-burning-bright-round-1-report-an-ode-to-luke-mcguane|access-date=23 May 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=2 April 2013}} He repeated the effort in round 2, this time along with 25 disposals.{{cite news|last1=Jellie|first1=Dugald|title=Tiger tiger burning bright: Round 2 report (in praise of Reece Conca)|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2013-04-09/tiger-tiger-burning-bright-round-2-report-in-praise-of-reece-conca|access-date=23 May 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=9 April 2013}}{{cite web|title=Round 2, 2013, St Kilda vs. Richmond|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2013/141520130405.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=23 May 2018}} After four consecutive matches at AFL level Conca suffered a stress reaction in his right foot, the recovery from which would see him miss an expected four weeks of football.{{cite news|title=From the Tigers: Conca out|url=http://www.fremantlefc.com.au/news/2013-04-24/from-the-tigers-conca-out|access-date=23 May 2018|work=Fremantle FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=24 April 2013}}{{cite news|title=King set for return|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2013-04-29/king-set-for-return|access-date=23 May 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=29 April 2013}} While he was considered a chance to return in late May, Conca was not declared fully fit until mid-June{{cite news|title=Ellis to return after the bye|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2013-05-27/ellis-to-return-after-the-bye|access-date=23 May 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=27 May 2013}}{{cite news|title=AFL: Chris Yarran dropped by Carlton for Hawthorn blockbuster|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-13/afl3a-chris-yarran-dropped-by-carlton-for-hawthorn-blockbuster/4752730|access-date=23 May 2018|work=ABC.com.au|agency=AAP|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=13 June 2013}} He made his eventual return in round 12, after seven weeks on the sidelines. Following that match it was noted by a club website contributor that Conca was particularly energetic in celebrating goals with his teammates, going so far as to embrace them with a full-body hug.{{cite news|last1=Jellie|first1=Dugald|title=Tiger tiger burning bright: Round 12 report (all roads lead to the G)|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2013-06-20/tiger-tiger-burning-bright-round-12-report-all-roads-lead-to-the-g|access-date=23 May 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=20 June 2013}} The celebration, coined the Conca Cuddle, soon became a signature of Conca's.{{cite news|last1=Jellie|first1=Dugald|title=On the origins of the 'Conca cuddle'|url=https://dugaldjellie.wordpress.com/2013/08/29/on-the-origins-of-the-conca-cuddle/|access-date=23 May 2018|publisher=Wordpress}} He remained in the side for the following nine-weeks before playing a starring role with 21 disposals and a career-high three-goals in a round 20 win over the {{AFL BL}}.{{cite web|title=Round 20, 2013, Richmond vs. Brisbane|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2013/141920130810.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=23 May 2018}} Conca repeated the effort two weeks later in his 50th career match, kicking three-goals to go with 28 disposals and seven marks in a 121-point demolition of {{AFL GWS}}.{{cite web|title=Round 22, 2013, Greater Western Sydney vs. Richmond|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2013/142120130825.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=23 May 2018}} In September Conca played in the first final of his career, and the club's first in 12 years.{{cite news|title=Martin set to stay with Richmond in AFL|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/martin-set-to-stay-with-richmond-in-afl|access-date=23 May 2018|work=SBS.com.au|agency=AAP|publisher=SBS|date=20 September 2013}} It was not a joyous occasion however, with Conca tearing his hamstring and being substituted from the ground within the first 12 minutes of the opening quarter while his team went on to be eliminated from the finals off the back of the 20-point loss.{{cite news|last1=Bowen|first1=Nick|title=Blues ensure Tigers' September return ends in heartbreak|url=http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2013/24/rich-v-carl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904052717/http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2013/24/rich-v-carl|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 September 2013|access-date=23 May 2018|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=8 September 2013}}{{cite news|last1=McGarry|first1=Andrew|title=Carlton knocks Richmond out of finals with 20-point MCG win to qualify for AFL semi-final|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-08/carlton-gives-richmond-the-blues-with-mcg-knockout/4944496|access-date=23 May 2018|work=ABC.com.au|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=8 September 2013}} He underwent surgery in the days the followed and was expected to recover in time for a return to full training by mid-December.{{cite news|title=Tigers hope Conca will be fit for full pre-season|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-09-12/concas-2014-not-hamstrung|access-date=23 May 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=12 September 2013}} Notably Richmond's fitness staff said the injury's severity had been a surprise given Conca had never previously had hamstring troubles. At the same time he had a small bone removed from his right heel, the problematic os trigonum bone that very few people are born with.{{cite news |last1=Phelan |first1=Jennifer |title=Conca recalls hamstring agony |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2013-12-08/conca-recalls-hamstring-agony |access-date=9 June 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=8 December 2013}}

Conca finished the year having played 17 matches, kicked a career-best 12 goals and placed 17th in the club's best and fairest count.{{cite news|last1=Greenberg|first1=Tony|title=2013 JDM: Jackson jags Jack|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2013-09-30/jackson-jags-jack|access-date=23 May 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=30 September 2013}} In the trade period that followed he was the target of offers from rival clubs including a lure to return home to Western Australia.{{cite news|last1=Jon Pierik and Caroline Wilson|title=Tigers' contract fight|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tigers-contract-fight-20130909-2tg3x.html|access-date=23 May 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=10 September 2013}}{{cite news|last1=Edmund|first1=Sam|title=Richmond reportedly offering Reece Conca reduced contract to stay at Punt Road|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-reportedly-offering-reece-conca-reduced-contract-to-stay-at-punt-road/news-story/c1f55a13a071b5c5a3d3841afcc1421b|access-date=23 May 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=11 September 2013}} Fox Footy commentator David King at this time labelled him a must-keep player for Richmond, comparing Conca's playing style to that of former Brownlow Medallist Jimmy Bartel and predicting Conca would soon be behind only captain Trent Cotchin as Richmond's best midfielder. Reports suggested {{AFL Fre}} had offered a four-year deal, while {{AFL WC}} attempted to trump Richmond's offer with a two-year deal worth around $400,000 per season.{{cite news|last1=Hagdorn|first1=Kim|title=West Coast Eagles ramp up chase for Richmond midfielder Reece Conca|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/west-coast-eagles-ramp-up-chase-for-richmond-midfielder-reece-conca/news-story/a226be566e8d1a85e7dd0501ae7a5572|access-date=23 May 2018|work=Herald Sun|agency=PerthNow|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=18 September 2013}} Conca ultimately re-signed with Richmond, accepting a three-year deal and announcing it was "never in doubt" that he would opt to remain with the club.{{cite news|last1=Jon Ralph and Michael Warner|title=Richmond re-sign Reece Conca but will play hard ball with Dustin Martin|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/out-of-contract-richmond-star-dustin-martin-jets-out-for-sydney/news-story/3c39c85f1fee0f668835364ceeb9da8a|access-date=23 May 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=20 September 2013}}

==2014 season==

In the early part of 2014 Conca was restricted to running drills, the result of his hamstring tear suffered in the previous year's finals series.{{cite news|title=Slimline Jack burns up the track|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-01-17/jack-burns-the-track|access-date=24 May 2018|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=17 January 2014}} Conca returned to full training in early February but missed the first of the club's pre-season matches two weeks later.{{cite news|title=Lists by position: midfielders, part two|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-02-16/engine-room-part-two|access-date=24 May 2018|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=16 February 2014}}{{cite news|title=Tiger Newman has scans after AFL injury|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/tiger-newman-has-scans-after-afl-injury|access-date=24 May 2018|work=SBS.com.au|agency=AAP|publisher=SBS|date=15 February 2014}} He returned in a pre-season match later that month, playing an "outstanding" first half with 16 disposals and five clearances before being rested for the remainder of the match.{{cite news|last1=Phelan|first1=Jennifer|title=Tigers' big three too strong for Magpies|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-02-22/collingwood-v-richmond-nab-challenge-match-report|access-date=24 May 2018|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=22 February 2014}} That strong showing saw him make an immediate return in time for the home and away season's round 1.{{cite news|title=Conca making solid gains|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2014-04-04/conca-making-solid-gains|access-date=24 May 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=4 April 2014}} Conca equaled a then-career-best with eight tackles in that match before breaking it with 10 more in round 3. He went one better in round 6, laying 11 tackles in a loss to {{AFL Haw}} at the MCG.{{cite news|last1=Pisano|first1=Kristian|title=Tigers outclassed by Hawks|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2014-04-27/tigers-outclassed-by-hawks|access-date=24 May 2018|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=27 April 2014}} After seven rounds Conca led the club in pressure acts record and in total tackles (50).{{cite news|title=Pressure kings: The players you don't want breathing down your neck|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-05-14/kings-of-pressure|access-date=24 May 2018|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=14 May 2014}} He played a further three matches at AFL level before missing rounds 12 and 13. From round 14 he played six consecutive matches including in a round 19 match with {{AFL GWS}}.

There he caused significant controversy when he struck Giants midfielder Devon Smith with an unseen off-the-ball elbow to the back of the head after the pair had been engaged in a minor scuffle during the second quarter of that match.{{cite news|last1=Hayes|first1=Mark|title=Richmond defeats GWS Giants by 37 points to notch fifth consecutive win, Reece Conca reported|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-defeats-gws-giants-by-37-points-to-notch-fifth-consecutive-win-reece-conca-reported/news-story/ec447f389c1507a2968f1797ed49ebb0|access-date=24 May 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=2 August 2014}} The AFL's independent Match Review Panel handed Conca a two-match ban for the act, a response that drew significant criticism including from AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan who said the case should have gone straight to the AFL Tribunal.{{cite news|title=Reece Conca's 'appalling act' should have gone straight to the AFL tribunal, says Gillon McLachlan|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/reece-concas-appalling-act-should-have-gone-straight-to-the-afl-tribunal-says-gillon-mclachlan-20140808-101zc0.html|access-date=24 May 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=8 August 2014}} Conca made an immediate return following the suspension, playing in the last two of nine consecutive wins to close out the season and win his side through to an elimination final match-up with {{AFL PA}}. Conca kicked the side's first goal in that match and contributed a team-high inside 50s but it was not enough to avoid a 57-point eliminating loss.{{cite news|title=This is the speech from Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley that inspired the Power to thrash Richmond by 57 points|url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/teams/port-adelaide/this-is-the-speech-from-port-adelaide-coach-ken-hinkley-that-inspired-the-power-to-thrash-richmond-by-57-points/news-story/b6ef3c0098c530dbe981b97b81e1668f|access-date=24 May 2018|work=The Advertiser|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=11 September 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Bowen|first1=Nick|title=Every Richmond player rated|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-09-07/player-ratings-tigers|access-date=24 May 2018|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=7 September 2014}} He finished the year having recorded a career-best 96 tackles, the most of any player at the club that season.{{cite web|title=2014 Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/2014.html#14|website=AFL Tables|access-date=24 May 2018}}

==2015 season==

Conca trained at full capacity in the early part of the pre-season, entering the 2015 calendar year fully fit.{{cite news |title=Who's ripping it up? Which players are 'training the house down' |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-12-28/whos-ripping-it-up |access-date=9 June 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=28 December 2014}} This luck would not last however, with a fresh injury requiring him to undergo minor knee surgery in January.{{cite news |last1=Schmook |first1=Nathan |title=Richmond list assessment: Midfielders |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2015-03-26/richmond-list-assessment-midfielders |access-date=9 June 2018 |work=Richmond FC |agency=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=26 March 2015}} He would make his recovery in time to play a pre-season match against Port Adelaide in early March before suffering a hamstring injury not a long after that.{{cite news |title=NAB Challenge squads named as Richmond bring back big names, Bulldogs test youngsters |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/nab-challenge-squads-named-as-richmond-bring-back-big-names-bulldogs-test-youngsters/news-story/94f5b9337a9f8093a3785282ee141a5e |access-date=9 June 2018 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=12 March 2015}}{{cite news |last1=Cowrie |first1=Tom |title=Richmond hit hard by yet another injury to luckless Tiger Chris Knights |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-hit-hard-by-yet-another-injury-to-luckless-tiger-chris-knights-20150421-1mplc3.html |access-date=9 June 2018 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=21 April 2015}} Conca resumed training by mid-April and returned to competitive matches through the VFL in early May where he recorded 19 disposals with the club's reserves side.{{cite news |title=VFL Round 5 squad: Captain Cachia returns |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2015-05-14/vfl-round-5-squad-captain-cachia-returns |access-date=9 June 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=14 May 2015}}{{cite news |last1=Landsberger |first1=Sam |title=Richmond captain Trent Cotchin says the Tigers are out of excuses for poor results and wants to lead the fightback |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-captain-trent-cotchin-says-the-tigers-are-out-of-excuses-for-poor-results-and-wants-to-lead-the-fightback/news-story/c0a7557d0488f98383e72fee5fa88d20 |access-date=9 June 2018 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=6 May 2015}} He suffered a re-occurrence after just three matches back though and spent another six weeks on the sidelines before returning to VFL football in mid-July.{{cite news |title=VFL Round 7 squad: Arnot, Lloyd return |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2015-05-29/vfl-round-7-squad-arnot-lloyd-return |access-date=9 June 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=29 May 2015}} Strong form at that level saw him selected to play his first AFL match of the season in round 18 against {{AFL Haw}}. He remained in the side for one more week before yet another hamstring injury saw him sidelined again.{{cite news |last1=Edmund |first1=Sam |title=Jack Riewoldt sees the funny side of fire which shut down Richmond Football Club headquarters |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/jack-riewoldt-sees-the-funny-side-of-fire-which-shut-down-richmond-football-club-headquarters/news-story/62a62ae2a78a484958686aeb1476da09 |access-date=9 June 2018 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=13 August 2015}} It proved not to be his last AFL match of the year however, instead he was re-called as a shock selection to face {{AFL NM}} in an elimination final in what coach Damien Hardwick labelled "a calculated risk".{{cite news |last1=Larkin |first1=Steve |title=Richmond spring big surprise at AFL finals selection |url=https://thenewdaily.com.au/sport/afl/2015/09/10/richmond-spring-big-surprise-afl-finals-selection/ |access-date=9 June 2018 |work=The New Daily |agency=AAP}}{{cite news |title=Elimination Final team: Conca, Griffiths in |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2015-09-11/elimination-final-team-conca-griffiths-in |access-date=9 June 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=11 September 2015}} He came on as the substitute player midway into the third quarter and kicked an immediate goal.{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Peter |title=Every Richmond player rated from the elimination final |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-09-13/player-ratings-richmond |access-date=9 June 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=13 September 2015}} Despite his efforts Richmond would go out in an elimination final loss for the third straight year.{{cite news |last1=Hanlon |first1=Peter |title=AFL finals 2015: Shaun Higgins picks himself up on the tough September stage |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/shaun-higgins-picks-himself-up-on-the-tough-september-stage-20150913-gjlkex.html |access-date=9 June 2018 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=13 September 2015}} Conca finished the year having played just three AFL matches.

==2016 season==

In the lead up to the 2016 season Conca completed the first full pre-season training program of his career. He made a role change from midfield to half-back as well, and played this role during the club's pre-season matches.{{cite news |last1=Ralph |first1=Jon |title=No simple solution to fix Richmond's problems, Jon Ralph writes |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/no-simple-solution-to-fix-richmonds-problems-jon-ralph-writes/news-story/ba8b8ba5abeb9e07faefac23d005452f |access-date=13 June 2018 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=23 April 2016}}{{cite news |last1=Schmook |first1=Nathan |title=Martin stars in intra-club |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2016-02-12/martin-stars-in-intraclub |access-date=13 June 2018 |work=Richmond FC |agency=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=12 February 2016}}{{cite news |title=Fremantle beats Richmond in AFL preseason cup but Hayden Ballantyne injured in Mandurah |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-19/fremantle-dockers-richmond-afl-preseason-cup/7185948 |access-date=13 June 2018 |work=ABC.com.au |agency=AAP |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=19 February 2016}} In the final match of that series Conca suffered yet another serious hamstring injury, a significant tear high up near the tendon that would require surgery and at least two months of recovery.{{cite news |last1=Michael Gleeson and Larissa Nicholson |title=NAB Challenge: 'Sorry, Port' - senior player apologises as Richmond go short |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-plays-down-injury-toll-20160311-gng9g4.html |access-date=13 June 2018 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=11 March 2016}}{{cite news |last1=Cahill |first1=Georgina |title=Conca on long-term list |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2016-03-17/conca-on-longterm-list |access-date=13 June 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=17 March 2016}} During his recovery he began a muscle-strengthening pilates program which he later credited as key factor in his return to fitness.{{cite news |last1=Loadman |first1=Jeremy |title=Why ballet and Pilates are the best way to prevent injury in the gym |url=http://www.executivestyle.com.au/why-ballet-and-pilates-are-the-best-way-to-prevent-injury-in-the-gym-gxecrg |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=Executive Style |date=20 July 2017}} He missed 11 AFL matches as a result of the injury, making his return to football in round 12's match-up with {{AFL GC}} at the MCG.{{cite news |title=AFL Round 12 teams: Full squad line-ups and the best SuperCoach advice |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/footy-form/afl-round-12-teams-full-squad-lineups-and-the-best-supercoach-advice/news-story/5e80301b618682811ba12a89a7db6e4d |access-date=13 June 2018 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=9 June 2016}} Conca played four consecutive matches before missing one in round 17 and returning for two more games in round 18 and 19.{{cite news |last1=Landsberger |first1=Sam |title=AFL Teams: Full Round 17 squads and the best SuperCoach advice |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/footy-form/afl-teams-full-round-17-squads-and-the-best-supercoach-advice/news-story/64479cc31b2c9c7e0a985a2e33432474 |access-date=13 June 2018 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=14 July 2016}}{{cite news |title=AFL Teams: Full Round 18 squads and the best SuperCoach advice |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/footy-form/afl-teams-full-round-18-squads-and-the-best-supercoach-advice/news-story/114eb9571bb69b4e5db1e01921cecf70 |access-date=13 June 2018 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=22 July 2016}} A minor hamstring injury sustained in that round 19 match sidelined him for the following week's match.{{cite news |title=AFL Teams: Full Round 20 squads and the best SuperCoach advice |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/footy-form/afl-teams-full-round-20-squads-whos-in-and-out-for-your-club/news-story/0107d327e13e174338472f43fe7e9752 |access-date=13 June 2018 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=5 August 2016}} Conca made his return to football through the VFL in mid-August but did not play another match at AFL level that season, having played in six total for the year.{{cite news |last1=Cahill |first1=Georgina |title=VFL: Tiger trio back |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2016-08-12/vfl-tiger-trio-returns |access-date=13 June 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=12 August 2016}} By early September news reports emerged suggesting Conca and the club had agreed to mutually part ways in the forthcoming trade period.{{cite news |last1=Schmook |first1=Nathan |title=Tigers to trade former No.6 pick Reece Conca |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-09-02/tigers-to-trade-former-no6-pick-reece-conca |access-date=13 June 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=2 September 2016}} Efforts were made to shop Conca to other clubs, including a deal for {{AFL Syd}} ruck Toby Nankervis that was rejected by the Swans.{{cite news |last1=Emma Quayle & Michael Gleeson |title=AFL trades 2016: Tigers poised to land Dion Prestia |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-trades-2016-tigers-poised-to-land-dion-prestia-20161018-gs51ll.html |access-date=13 June 2018 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=18 October 2016}} Significant upheaval of the football department under newly appointed football director Neil Balme in October though saw the club change its tact, with Conca signing a new two-year contract to stay at Richmond by the end of the trade period.{{cite news |last1=Peter Ryan and Nick Bowen |title=Trade wrap: Kangaroos turn sights to young Crows forward |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-10-07/trade-wrap-kangaroos-turn-sights-on-young-crows-forward |access-date=13 June 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=7 October 2016}}{{cite news |title=Conca re-commits for two years |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2016-10-19/conca-recommits-for-two-years-jrz |access-date=13 June 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=19 October 2016}}

==2017 season==

File:Reece Conca VFLAug17.jpg

Conca returned to contention for AFL selection by the start of the 2017 JLT Community Series, playing in all three pre-season matches including gathering 24 disposals and being named among Richmond's best in the final match of the series against Collingwood.{{cite news |title=Tiger trio to pull on yellow and black |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2017-02-22/jlt1-squad-announcement |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=22 February 2017}}{{cite news |title=Rance returns as Tigers name strong squad |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2017-03-02/jlt-2-squad-announcement |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=2 March 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Guthrie |first1=Ben |title=Match report: First-half blitz sees Magpies home against Tigers |url=http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/jlt-community-series/2017/4/rich-v-coll |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218103333/http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/jlt-community-series/2017/4/rich-v-coll |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 February 2017 |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=11 March 2017}} During that series he was one of a number of "middle tier" players singled out by coach Damien Hardwick whose improvement would be keys to the team's performance in 2017.{{cite news |last1=Schmook |first1=Nathan |title=Just play: Hardwick's simple plan to unleash Tigers |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-03-03/just-play-hardwicks-simple-plan-for-tigers |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=3 March 2017}} Conca earned AFL selection in round 1, tasked with a rebounding half-back role.{{cite news |last1=Hope |first1=Shayne |title=Richmond's Reece Conca hopes his injury nightmare is finally over |url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/richmonds-reece-conca-hopes-his-injury-nightmare-is-finally-over-ng-b88437466z |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=The West Australian |publisher=Seven West Media |date=7 April 2017}} He performed strongly in the first two weeks of the season before turning in an exceptional match against {{AFL WC}} where he recorded four rebound 50s, four intercepts and six marks along with 25 disposals, his first such haul in nearly three years.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Reece the conqueror |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2017-04-10/reece-the-conqueror |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 April 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Drew |title=Good News Week: Reece Conca a key Richmond cog, David Mundy's classy response to Freo skipper change |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/good-news-week-reece-conca-a-key-richmond-cog-david-mundys-classy-response-to-freo-skipper-change/news-story/d6771768e7bd395836204df6ea45953f |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=11 April 2017}} In round 6 Conca suffered what appeared to be an ankle injury in the first quarter of the match against {{AFL Ade}}, before returning to close out the remainder of the contest.{{cite news |last1=Larkin |first1=Steve |title=Crows lock top spot |url=http://www.afc.com.au/match-centre/2017/6/adel-v-rich |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=Adelaide FC |agency=AAP |publisher=Telstra Media |date=30 April 2017}} A diagnosis in the days that followed classed the injury as relatively minor damage to the Lisfranc joint in his foot, but that it would still require an expected recovery time of three-to-six weeks.{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=Unlucky Tiger injures Lisfranc joint, out for 3-6 weeks |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-05-04/inform-tiger-reece-conca-injures-lisfranc-joint-out-for-36-weeks |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=4 May 2017}} After two weeks in a moon boot to stabilise the joint, further scans revealed the injury to be much more severe than first thought.{{cite book|last1=Marshall|first1=Konrad|title=Yellow & Black: A Season with Richmond|date=15 November 2016|publisher=Slattery Media Group|location=Melbourne, Victoria, Australia|isbn=9780987342898|page=155}}{{cite news |title=Conca suffers injury setback |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2017-05-18/concas-injury-setback |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=18 May 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Navaratnam |first1=Dinny |title=Conca to miss another 10 weeks after setback |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-05-18/reece-conca-to-miss-another-10-weeks-after-setback |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=18 May 2017}} In all his recovery would take more than three months, with a return coming via the VFL in late August.{{cite news |title=Conca in line for VFL selection |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2017-08-17/conca-in-line-for-vfl-selection |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=17 August 2017}} Conca would not manage to break into the AFL team before their premiership run, but did feature in each of the VFL side's three finals victories as well as in their 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}}{{cite news |last1=Denham |first1=Greg |title=AFL finals: Richmond Tigers with plenty of depth after VFL success |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/afl-finals-richmond-tigers-with-plenty-of-depth-after-vfl-success/news-story/832820fb366418d8ce8977202d20527d |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=The Australian |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=4 September 2017}} In the trade period that followed he was once again the subject of trade speculation, linked to a possible move to {{AFL Fre}} with some media reports suggesting he was on the verge of requesting a trade despite having a year to run on his contract at Richmond.{{cite news |last1=Hagdorn |first1=Kim |title=Fremantle Dockers recruiters target athletic Victorian ruckman with first pick |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/fremantle-dockers-recruiters-target-athletic-victorian-ruckman-with-first-pick-20171002-gyskay.html |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=2 October 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Denham |first1=Greg |title=Reece Conca likely to be a casualty in Tigers' premiership fallout |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/reece-conca-likely-to-be-a-casualty-in-tigers-premiership-fallout/news-story/6ec7a68688ee370cb525a2f72320c8d9 |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=The Australian |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=2 October 2017}} These reports were ultimately unfounded, with Conca remaining at Richmond at the trade period's end.{{cite news |last1=Warner |first1=Michael |title=Richmond unlikely to figure in trade week, set to target forwards with two first-round picks |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-unlikely-to-figure-in-trade-week-set-to-target-forwards-with-two-firstround-picks/news-story/0cf7cc2b38f19998d72266b6f6281013 |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=6 October 2017}} He finished the year having played just six AFL matches and bringing his three-year total to just 15 of a possible 70 appearances at senior level.

==2018 season==

Conca completed a full pre-season training regime in the lead-in to the 2018 season and underwent a positional change during that time, moving into a predominately midfield role after playing at half-back in previous years.{{cite news|last1=Hope|first1=Shayne|title=Richmond's Reece Conca fit and relishing new role|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/richmond-tigers/richmonds-reece-conca-fit-and-relishing-new-role-ng-b88839483z|access-date=20 May 2018|work=The West Australian|publisher=Seven West Media|date=19 May 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Navaratnam |first1=Dinny |title=Tiger clocks up the Miles in crucial year |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-02-07/tiger-clocks-up-the-miles-in-crucial-year |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=7 February 2018}} He played for the first time that year with the club's contingent sent to the AFLX exhibition tournament in Sydney in mid-February.{{cite news |title=Premiership trio selected for AFLX |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-02-14/premiership-players-selected-for-aflx |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=14 February 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Curley |first1=Adam |title=AFLX Saturday wrap: How each club fared |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-02-17/aflx-saturday-wrap-lions-suns-giants-tigers-swans-dogs |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=17 February 2018}} That was followed with selection in each of the club's two pre-season matches before officially re-joining the club's best-22 with selection for round 1's season opening match against {{AFL Car}}.{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Peter |title=Bring the heat if you want to play for Richmond, says Hardwick |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/bring-the-heat-if-you-want-to-play-for-richmond-says-hardwick-20180224-p4z1m1.html |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=24 February 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Conca knocking on selection door |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-02-26/conca-knocking-on-selection-door |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=26 February 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Schmook |first1=Nathan |title=Short ready to step into backline |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-03-20/suspension-may-leave=tigers-short-in-defence |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=20 March 2018}} In the first two months of the season he played in all eight of the club's AFL matches, his first such consecutive streak since the 2013 season. While Conca spent the early part of that stretch covering for the suspended Nathan Broad in defence, he was later moved to a midfield role that saw him regularly attending centre bounces while playing as an inside defensive midfielder. At the mid-season bye Conca had played in all 13 senior matches so far that year and led the club in tackles (72) and ranked top-five for disposals, contested possessions and centre clearances.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Mid-season Tiger stats stars |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-06-22/midseason-tiger-stats-stars |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=22 June 2018}} In round 15 and immediately following the bye, Conca lined up in his 100th AFL match.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Conca chalks up century |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-06-28/conca-chalks-up-century |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=28 June 2018}} It was not to be a happy occasion however, with Conca suffering a horrific dislocation of his left ankle when twisted in a tackle by {{AFL Syd}} forwards Lance Franklin and Tom McCartin.{{cite news |last1=Gleeson |first1=Michael |title=Reece Conca suffers sickening leg injury against Swans |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/reece-conca-suffers-sickening-leg-injury-against-swans-20180628-p4zof6.html |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=29 June 2018}}{{cite news |title=Richmond Tigers midfielder Reece Conca suffers sickening ankle injury during milestone 100th AFL game |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-29/reece-conca-suffers-ankle-injury-during-tigers-swans-afl-game/9923006 |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=ABC News |agency=AAP |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=29 June 2018}} On initial appearances it had seemed that that injury was a lower leg fracture that would require 12 months of rehabilitation.{{cite news |last1=Morris |first1=Tom |title=Richmond's Reece Conca to avoid surgery after dislocating ankle in horror incident |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/richmonds-reece-conca-to-avoid-surgery-after-dislocating-ankle-in-horror-incident/news-story/b5086ccf4d529f8459f5b7afe3efdeb7 |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=29 June 2018}}{{cite news |last1=White |first1=Simon |title=Richmond's Reece Conca suffers horrific leg injury in AFL game against Sydney Swans. |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/richmond-tigers/richmonds-reece-conca-suffers-horrific-leg-injury-in-afl-game-against-sydney-swans-ng-b88881379z |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=PerthNow |publisher=Seven West Media |date=28 June 2018}} Remarkably, scans conducted the following day revealed he had suffered no structural damage to the bones or joints surrounding the ankle.{{cite news |title=No surgery needed: Conca dodges injury bullet |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/no-surgery-needed-conca-dodges-injury-bullet-20180629-p4zonc.html |access-date=7 October 2018 |author=Australian Associated Press|work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=29 June 2018}} The dislocation was corrected without surgery and Conca spent less than two weeks in a stabilising moon boot before returning to aerobic conditioning training.{{cite news |last1=Cleary |first1=Mitch |title=UPDATE: Tigers hope Conca could return this year |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-06-29/reece-conca-set-to-avoid-surgery-on-ankle-injury |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=29 June 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Conca |first1=Reece |title=Conca cleared of serious injury |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-06-29/conca-injury-update |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=29 June 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Phelan |first1=Jennifer |title=Hardwick wary of revitalised, restocked Crows |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-07-05/hardwick-wary-of-revitalised-restocked-crows |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=Richmond FC |agency=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=5 July 2018}} By late-June he had resumed running without the help of an anti-gravity treadmill and by the first week of August he had begun participating in full training.{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=Reece tracking well for pre-finals return |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-07-19/conca-tracking-well-for-pre-finals-return |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=19 July 2018}}{{cite news |title=Prestia sidelined with rib injury |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-07-30/round-20-injury-update |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=30 July 2018}} Conca made his return to match-play with the club's reserves side in the VFL in mid-August.{{cite news |last1=James Mottershead and Kate Salemme |title=Collingwood's injury curse continues, while Richmond and Melbourne suffer injury blows |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/collingwood/collingwoods-injury-curse-continues-after-ben-reid-suffers-injury-in-vfl-return/news-story/1119c0f7958e1e95f4460afb28941cfb |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=11 August 2018}} There he suffered a rolled ankle on the opposite foot to the existing injury, the result of which saw him leave the game early.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Tigers succumb to Seagulls |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-08-11/vfl-tigers-succumb-to-seagulls |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=11 August 2018}} The injury did not prove serious however, with Conca considered back to full fitness in time to be recalled to AFL football the following week.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Conca back to take on Bombers |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-08-16/round-22-team-selection |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=16 August 2018}}{{cite news |title=Minor ankle injury sidelines Lambert |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-08-13/round-22-injury-update |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=13 August 2018}} He recorded 21 disposals, including 18 by three-quarter time, in that round 22 win over {{AFL Ess}}.{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=Ben |title=Five talking points: Richmond v Essendon |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-08-17/five-talking-points-richmond-v-essendon |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=17 August 2018}} Conca held his spot the next week and helped the club seal its position as ladder leaders at the end of the home and away season. He played a contributing role with 17 disposals and six tackles in the club's qualifying final win over {{AFL Haw}} and followed it with 18 disposals and five tackles in the shock knock-out preliminary final loss to {{AFL Col}}.{{cite news |last1=Spits |first1=Scott |title=As it happened: Magpies shock Tigers with decisive prelim victory |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-finals-live-scores-richmond-tigers-v-collingwood-magpies-20180921-h15p89.html |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=21 September 2018}} Conca finished the season having played 18 matches and placed third at the club for total tackles recorded that season.{{cite web |title=2018 Player Stats |url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/2018.html#14 |website=AFL Tables |access-date=7 October 2018}}

Conca headed into the 2018 trade period as an unrestricted free agent after previously putting contract talks with Richmond on hold until the end of the season.{{cite news |last1=Pierik |first1=Jon |title=Reborn Tiger Conca to open contract talks mid-year |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/reborn-tiger-conca-to-open-contract-talks-mid-year-20180421-p4zaw3.html |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=21 April 2018}} Media reports had again suggested Fremantle were interested in acquiring him, as they had been in 2013, 2016 and 2017.{{cite news |title=Fremantle sets sights on out-of-contract Tigers midfielder Reece Conca |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/fremantle-dockers/fremantle-sets-sights-on-out-of-contract-tigers-midfielder-reece-conca-ng-b88963674z |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=Perth Now |publisher=Seven West Media |date=17 September 2018}}{{cite news |title=AFL Trade Whispers: Gold Coast warns clubs about price for Steven May, Fremantle chasing Richmond's Reece Conca |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-whispers-gold-coast-warns-clubs-about-price-for-steven-may-fremantle-chasing-richmonds-reece-conca/news-story/fd2b7102cef065171aa3d98071982184 |access-date=7 October 2018 |author=Staff Writers|work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=18 September 2018}} Conca's manager confirmed that he had attracted an offer from Fremantle but that negotiations with Richmond were ongoing.{{cite news |title=Trade TV: Updates on Dylan Shiel, Chad Wingard, Alex Fasolo, Reece Conca and more |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/trade-tv-updates-on-dylan-shiel-chad-wingard-alex-fasolo-reece-conca-and-more/news-story/bb51d6518040c943fa5c08b1cd707509 |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=19 September 2018}} Two days before the beginning of the 2018 free agency period, The Australian reported that Conca was set to forgo a two-year deal at Richmond to sign a longer term free agency contract with Fremantle.{{cite news |last1=Denham |first1=Greg |title=AFL trade period: Dockers add Conca to tally of returnees |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/afl-trade-period-dockers-add-conca-to-tally-of-returnees/news-story/39363c6bbb853d689818dcf8e4b7b8c0 |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=The Australian |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=3 October 2018}}

=Fremantle (2019–2021)=

On the opening day of the 2018 free agency period, Conca accepted a three-year contract offer from Fremantle to move to the club as an unrestricted free agent.{{cite news |title=Conca departs Richmond |url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-10-05/conca-departs-richmond |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=5 October 2018}}{{cite news |title=Conca becomes a Docker |url=http://www.fremantlefc.com.au/news/2018-10-05/conca-becomes-a-docker |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=Fremantle FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=5 October 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Duffield |first1=Mark |title=AFL free agency 2018: Richmond's Reece Conca to join Fremantle Dockers on three-year deal |url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/fremantle-dockers/afl-trades-2018-richmonds-reece-conca-to-join-fremantle-dockers-on-three-year-deal-ng-b88982010z |access-date=7 October 2018 |work=The West Australian |publisher=Seven West Media |date=5 October 2018}} When Fremantle's leadership group was announced ahead of the 2019 season, Conca was a surprise addition to the group, having been voted into the group by his new teammates.

Across the 11 games prior to Fremantle's mid-season bye, Conca averaged 20.5 disposals per game, his highest return from all his previous seasons.

Statistics

: Statistics are correct to the end of the 2019 season{{cite web|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/R/Reece_Conca.html|title=Reece Conca|publisher=AFL Tables|access-date=1 October 2019}}

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