RICHMOND midfielder Monique Conti has requested a release from the Melbourne Boomers in the WNBL in order to play the full 2020 NAB AFL Women's Competition.
Conti's Boomers contract allowed her to play AFLW in the basketball offseason, but with the FIBA Olympic basketball qualification process and the potential of the Boomers making the finals, Conti could have missed up to five AFLW games.
The dual-sport athlete informed her teammates of the decision on Thursday morning.
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
"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," Conti said in a media release.
Conti was three years into a four-year WNBL contract, and has now forgone the final season remaining on her deal.
The decision was made by Conti alone, but Richmond’s head of AFLW Kate Sheahan said the Tigers are pleased with the midfielder’s availability.
"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."
Boomers general manager Christy Collier also made a statement following Conti’s decision to focus on football.
"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.
