FREMANTLE has made the first signing of the 2018 Free Agency Period by luring Richmond's Reece Conca on a three-year deal.
Conca, an unrestricted free agent, played 104 games for the Tigers over eight seasons.
AFL.com.au reported last month that the Dockers were circling Conca.
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The 26-year-old midfielder dislocated his ankle in round 15 against Sydney, but still managed to play 18 games in 2018, including both of Richmond's finals.
"We’re delighted to have Reece on board at Fremantle," Dockers CEO Steve Rosich told fremantlefc.com.au.
"He’s already shown what he’s capable of at a top four club in Richmond and we’re very positive that he will become a long-term player at Fremantle and help drive our young midfield."
Richmond is set to receive a compensation pick at the end of the second round (currently No.38) for losing Conca, but the standing of that pick is dependent on whether the Tigers take in any free agents.
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If Richmond acquires Gold Coast's Tom Lynch during this year's Free Agency Period as expected, that compensation pick will be lost.
Conca was drafted with the No.6 selection in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft and was a NAB AFL Rising Star nominee in 2011.
He missed Richmond's drought-breaking premiership in 2017 due to a foot injury and will be hoping for a change of luck with injuries, as he is yet to play a full season of football.
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Richmond general manager of football Neil Balme thanked Conca for his service to the club.
"Reece is a much-loved person at the club and we respect his decision to return home to Western Australia," he said.
"Everyone at Richmond joins me in wishing Reece the best of luck in his next chapter at Fremantle."
