Reece Conca produced his best performance for several seasons – arguably of his entire AFL career – in Richmond’s 11-point victory over West Coast at the MCG last Saturday.
Recast this year as a rebounding, small defender, following a frustrating injury run, Conca was extremely impressive, finishing with 25 disposals, including five score involvements, four rebound-50s, four intercepts, three inside-50s, plus six marks, four tackles, and a total of 389 metres gained.
It was the first time since Round 15, 2014 (v St Kilda at Etihad Stadium) that Conca had picked up 25 touches in a match.
“He had a fantastic game, Reece,” his Tiger teammate Kane Lambert told 3AW on Sunday.
“The poor thing for Reece is, over the last couple of years, he’s struggled with a few injuries. But this year he’s found some consistency in his training and his body’s holding up pretty well . . .
“We’re looking forward for Reece to have a really big year for us.”
Conca, who made his senior debut with Richmond in 2011, has played 83 games all-up, with just nine of those coming during the past two seasons (2015 and 2016).
In the first three rounds of the 2017 season, he is averaging 20.7 disposals per game, 4.3 marks, 4 tackles and 3.7 rebound-50s.
He is ranked fifth overall at Tigerland for total disposals.