Richmond midfielder, Monique Conti, continued to re-write the history books on Tuesday night, winning her seventh straight Best and Fairest award.
The 25-year-old said that she was honoured to win the award following her incredible 2025 campaign, crediting the achievement to the work she’s put into the mental side of her game.
“It’s honestly an honour to be up here every time, but I probably won’t understand it until I actually finish my career in sport, so at the moment I’m just enjoying every year as I can,” Conti said.
“I think the mental side of the game is probably 90 per cent of it, to be honest.
“It’s really tough to stay switched on mentally and try and perform every single week, so every year, as I grow as a person as well, I try to tap into that side a little bit more, and I’m sure I will keep growing in that area.”
Conti had one of her best seasons to date, averaging career highs in disposals (26.3), tackles (7.2) and total clearances (5.0).
Even with her outstanding personal performances, the team endured a difficult season, ending with just two wins.
However, Conti is adamant that team success is not too far away.
“Obviously, we’re not happy where we have ended up, but we are going to take accountability for that and drive forward and be better,” Conti said.
“We are not content, and we are not happy, but one thing we are is extremely hungry to be a better football club and be a better team.
“Because at the end of the day, we come to play football to win games, and that is what we want to do.”
During the Best and Fairest Awards night, the Tigers' skipper of the last seven seasons, Katie Brennan, announced she will be stepping down as captain.
Conti expressed her gratitude towards Brennan and thanked her for the impact she has made on the Club during her tenure as skipper.
“You’re like a big sister, and I have learnt so much from you,” Conti said.
“I’m so grateful to have been led by you for nine seasons now, and I’m really grateful to have learnt off you, and you’re just an incredible person.
“The legacy that you have left at this football club and the career that you have had so far has just been incredible, and I’m so lucky to have been led by you."
In a night full of thank yous, Conti made sure to conclude her speech by acknowledging the work of coach Ryan Ferguson and the effort inspired by her teammates, in what was a challenging season.
“I know it’s been a really tough season, but you (Ferguson) stood strong and did what you could to help us, and you have been great for the past however many years,” Conti said.
“I’m really grateful to be a part of the team you are leading.
“I know this is an individual accolade, but I wouldn’t be up here every single time without the support that (my teammates) are for me.
“It has been a really tough journey this year, but I guess we are all on the same page, and we are all hungry to get better, and I’m really excited to get to work next year.”
