Monique Conti has added to her already staggering AFLW resume by claiming her maiden AFLW League Best and Fairest Award at tonight’s W Awards.

Conti makes history by becoming the first Richmond player to win the top AFLW award since the Club’s inception to the competition in 2020.

The brilliant midfielder dominated the count, polling a monster 23 votes to win the award by seven votes, with her astonishing 10-game season including six best on grounds.

Conti, 23, was outstanding all year for Richmond and was rewarded with her fifth career All-Australian honour earlier in the Awards night held at Crown Palladium.

The cross-code athlete has also won five club best and fairest awards and a premiership in her AFLW career. She received best on ground in the 2018 Grand Final, aged just 18.

Conti played in all 10 matches in 2023, averaging 28.5 disposals, 7.3 clearances, 418 metres gained, 5.8 tackles, and 3.5 score involvements per game.

The dynamic midfielder, known for her blitzing and evasive speed, also led the league for clearances this season.

Conti received three votes in each of the Club’s five wins against Brisbane, GWS, Carlton, Hawthorn, and Collingwood. She was also judged best afield in the Round 5 loss to Fremantle.

The midfielder polled in nine of a possible 10 games.

Conti credited her teammates and the people around her for the win.

“We have been challenged a lot this year, but I have got great coaches and great teammates as well,” she said.

“Honestly, you cannot be where you are without your teammates, and I have got a great team around me.”

Conti has now polled 79 votes from her 61 games at AFLW level, highlighting her consistently brilliant level of performance since entering the competition.