Conlen, an Oakleigh District recruit, played for South Melbourne in the final two rounds of the 1981 VFL season.
[1][2] He debuted in South Melbourne's 111 point loss to Essendon at Windy Hill in round 21, having 18 disposals.
[2] He took part in the 1982 Escort Championships, which was won by the Swans, but didn't feature in the 1982 VFL season, only the reserves.
[3][4] In 1983 he was enticed to South Australia where he joined West Adelaide and was a rover in their premiership team that year.
[5][6] He also finished with the third most votes in the 1983 Magarey Medal count, behind Stephen Kernahan (ineligible) and winner Tony Antrobus.