The Tackle: Reece Conca latest Tiger to likely feel wrath of Match Review Panel following Tyrone Vickery hit

BARRING a miracle, Reece Conca will be the next Tiger to will feel the wrath of the Match Review Panel. WATCH CONCA’S HIT AND VOTE

Reece Conca of the Tigers and Devon Smith of the Giants clash during the 2014 AFL Round 19 match between the Richmond Tigers and the GWS Giants at the MCG, Melbourne on August 02, 2014. (Photo: Michael Willson/AFL Media)

“THERE’S nothing more Tigerish than a bloody Tiger,” Tommy Hafey would say.

Well, there’s nothing Tigerish about assaulting players when they don’t expect it, or when they have their backs turned.

It’s been a poor two weeks for the Richmond Football Club.

Poor. Not brave. Not tough.

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Reece Conca is the latest Tiger to feel the wrath of the people and, barring a miracle, will feel the wrath of the Match Review Panel.

Last week it was Tyrone Vickery who knocked out the Bambi of the ruck division: Dean Cox. He received four weeks — and was lucky — and apologised several times. He did what he could after a despicable act and, despite some in the community believing Vickery’s apology to be stage-managed, I reckon he was sincere.

There was no apology from Conca on Sunday.

“Obviously it wasn’t the smartest move,” he said. “But it’s out of my control now, so I’ll just let it be and see what happens.

“I’d like to think I’m a fair player, but, you know, once you get across the line, it gets a bit heated.”

Surely not that heated.

Be upset, wrestle him, bump him, but don’t clock him from behind into the back of the head.

Commentator Jason Dunstall described it as “cheap”.

“That’s an absolute cheap shot ... it’s as cheap as it gets,” he said.

While coach Damien Hardwick will be supportive of his player, he must also internally address the undisciplined attitude.

Conca’s Tiger teammate, Ty Vickery, felt the wrath of the AFL Tribunal last week.

Hardwick wants to play tough, edgy football, but some of his players are playing stupid, tough, edgy football.

Because of it, the Richmond brand is being hurt.

You can ask: What does it matter? But at the same time, go ask chief executive Brendon Gale if it matters.

Richmond is playing solid footy, having won five in a row, and faces Essendon on Friday night at the MCG.

Vickery is out. Conca won’t play. The Tigers will be undermanned.

For that, they can blame themselves.

Originally published as The Tackle: Reece Conca latest Tiger to likely feel wrath of Match Review Panel following Tyrone Vickery hit