REECE Conca's 100th game has ended in disaster, with the Richmond milestone man forced to leave the field on a stretcher after suffering a sickening ankle injury.
Conca's left leg was trapped underneath Lance Franklin midway through the first quarter, with the Tigers midfielder in agony as he was treated by the club's medical team.
The game was stopped for several minutes as Conca received treatment, before the entire Richmond team swamped the medical cart prior to the player leaving the field.
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"It was really disappointing for Reece," Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said afterwards.
"He's a player who hasn't had an enormous amount of luck. We're really pleased with his progression this year, he's played some outstanding footy for us.
"We're not exactly sure of the extent of the injury at the moment. He'll miss some footy, there's no doubt about that, but the severity of it … we're not exactly sure.
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"I thought it was a pretty touching moment, it probably sums up our footy club, to see all of the players get to him. They just all got a touch on him, which is important.
"He's a very popular member of our football club. We really do wish him a speedy recovery, because he's an important player for us."
Sydney player Gary Rohan, who missed more than an entire year with a broken leg suffered in 2012, also went to embrace Conca as he departed the field.
The 25-year-old was celebrating his 100th game in Richmond colours, having already endured a career plagued by a series of hamstring and foot injuries.
Conca's family, who had flown from Western Australia for his milestone game, joined him in the Richmond rooms in the aftermath of the incident as he was transported to hospital.
Speaking after the game, Richmond midfielder Shane Edwards said Conca's words as he departed the field gave the side all the motivation it needed to secure victory.
"He probably is the most loved player at our club," Edwards told AFL.com.au.
"He's had such a tough run with injuries and he was playing so well. It's a real shame, but he's going to give us all of the support while he's injured.
"It's a sad thing, seeing him go down. It's taken a long time for him to get to his 100th, so to do what he did, it breaks your heart.
"He was still so selfless. He said 'just get the win boys'. It's all the motivation we needed."
