Star Tiger Monique Conti turns back on basketball to focus on AFL Women’s

A talented dual-sport star has been forced to make the choice, electing to turn her back on a fruitful WNBL season in favour of AFL Women’s. But will she return to the court?

Star Tiger Monique Conti has turned her back on basketball — for now — to focus on football.

Conti, who was best afield in the Western Bulldog’s 2018 premiership triumph, plays for the Melbourne Boomers in the WNBL but has today requested a release from the club to pursue the upcoming AFL Women’s season.

“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 midfielder has been widely tipped to be one of the best players in the AFLW competition this season.

Watch every match of the 2020 NAB AFLW Season LIVE & On-Demand on KAYO. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Monique Conti moved to the Tigers at the end of last AFLW season.

Monique Conti in action for the Boomers.

Conti, 20, has expressed her ambitions to represent Australia in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

She is three years into a four-year deal with the Boomers which allows her to play AFLW in her basketball off-season.

But with the current FIBA Olympic qualifications and the Boomers — who have one game remaining before finals — in the frame to contest the championship, she may not have played for the Tigers for the first month of the season.

MORE AFLW NEWS:

Outback mum Courtney Wakefield journey in joining Richmond’s AFLW side

Ray Chamberlain to umpire AFLW season opener as one of three AFL umpires to officiate during women’s season

Brisbane AFLW star Jess Wuetschner opens up on being struck by lightning

The Boomers agreed to release Conti today with the dual sport star to play for Richmond in its Round 1 clash with Carlton next Friday night.

“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,” Boomers general manager Christy Collier said.

“Monique has decided to prioritise her AFLW career, which the club accepts and wishes her all the best for the future.

Conti dates Richmond men’s player Sydney Stack. Picture Jay Town

“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.”

Tigers women’s football boss Kate Sheahan said the club was rapt to have Conti available for the entire season.

“We are very excited to have Mon available for the full AFLW season and look forward to seeing what she will be able to achieve this year,” Sheahan said.

“We remain committed to helping Mon be the best athlete she can possibly be and will continue to support all of her sporting ambitions.”