Melbourne Boomers’ Monique Conti opts to focus on AFLW career with Richmond
A super talent at both sports, Monique Conti has juggled a football and a basketball for years. Finally, she’s had to choose between them, is it Melbourne Boomers or Richmond?
Vic Womens
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Dual sport athlete Monique Conti has requested an immediate release from WNBL’s Melbourne Boomers to pursue her AFLW career with Richmond.
With the AFLW season commencing next Friday (February 7), it’s not possible for Conti to compete in both the AFLW and WNBL, the nation’s top domestic football and basketball competitions, and she has made the decision to commit to footy with the Tigers.
After consultation between the board, executive, coaches and team captains, the Boomers have agreed to release Conti.
The young star will not play in the Boomers’ final home game against Perth Lynx on Saturday and will not return to the club for the remainder of the season.
Boomers general manager Christy Collier said the club is sad to see the talented 20-year-old leave.
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“Monique is an exceptional athlete; we value her contribution and commitment to the club and, equally, we have supported her as a dual athlete since she joined us as a 16-year-old more than three years ago,” Collier said.
“Monique has decided to prioritise her AFLW career, which the club accepts and wishes her all the best for the future.
“With our team having qualified for our third consecutive finals campaign this season, we are very confident our members and fans will see continued success in the coming weeks commencing with our game on Saturday against Perth.”
Conti said it was a difficult decision after four years with the Boomers.
“I’d like to thank the Boomers for all their support over the years, I wish them all the best for the rest of the season,” she said.
The Melbourne Boomers take on the Perth Lynx this Saturday (7pm) at the State Basketball Centre in Wantirna South.