RICHMOND’s Reece Conca has received good news and will not require surgery on a badly dislocated ankle after being stretchered from the ground on Thursday night.

There were fears Conca, who was celebrating his 100th game, would miss as many as 12 months due to a graphic broken lower leg. But, as first reported by Fox Footy, scans have returned a positive diagnosis for the 25-year-old.

The Tigers say they are confident Conca will be available for selection “before the end of the home and away season”.

Finals Week 1

Richmond’s Reece Conca leaves the field after suffering a horror injury during the clash with the Swans. Source: Getty Images

Conca was twisted in a tackle by Lance Franklin and Tom McCartin at Etihad Stadium during the first term.

Play was stopped and he was handed the green whistle anaesthetic to relieve pain as teammates and even opposition player Gary Rohan gathered around him.

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He gave an encouraging thumbs up to the applauding crowd as he neared the boundary and was whisked to hospital for further assessment.

His parents had earlier flown over from Western Australia and helped hold up the banner as the players ran out on the ground before the first bounce.

Richmond players rally around injured teammate Reece Conca. Source: Getty Images

Coach Damien Hardwick spoke of his admiration for his players post-game.

“I thought it was a pretty touching moment and it probably sums up our footy club just to see all the players get to him and all get a touch on him which is important,” Hardwick said.

“He’s a very popular member of our football club and we really do wish him a speedy recovery because he’s an important player for us, there’s no doubt.”

The incident was reminiscent of Tim Broomhead’s and Tom Scully’s leg breaks in the same match earlier this season.

Conca has struggled to overcome hamstring and foot troubles during his career. He is out of contract at season’s end.

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