Devastated Conca says Tigers can build on loss to BluesBy Matt Thompson and Nathan Schmook
afl.com.au
11:22am AEST Monday, September 9, 2013INJURED Richmond midfielder Reece Conca says the Tigers are devastated, but the shock loss to Carlton will only benefit the club in the long run.
The Tigers coughed up a 32-point lead against the Blues to go down by 20 points in front of a record elimination final crowd of 94,690.
Conca was subbed out of the game after injuring his hamstring early in the first quarter, robbing the Tigers of crucial late run.
He headed for scans on Monday morning still not clear on the damage, but the young midfielder insisted the loss would only motivate the players for 2014.
"It's not great - obviously we went in with pretty high expectations but you know Carlton were just the better team on the day," he said.
"It was pretty devastating but we had a really good year, we'll build off that and just look forward to next year."
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick tried to put on a brave face after the disappointing loss, but admitted it was a painful premature end to a season that promised so much.
He acknowledged it was hard to be positive about the future when his overriding emotion so soon after the game was "pure disappointment".
"It's probably a hard question to ask a coach after an elimination final loss whether there's a bright future, but there is. We know there is," Hardwick said on Sunday evening.
Conca is out of contract and in demand after a superb second half of the season.
The 21-year-old fought back from a serious foot injury to play the last 13 games, cementing himself as a key member of the Tigers' deep midfield.
The West Australian has high currency with West Coast and Fremantle, with the Eagles reportedly already putting an offer to him.
Conca's negotiations with Richmond dragged this season, with a number of high profile Tigers working to re-sign with the club.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-09-09/well-keep-building-conca
