Selected with Pick No.18 in the 2007 National Draft, Alex Rance went on to become arguably one of the game’s best defenders throughout his 12-year career.
The decorated defender debuted in Round 2 2009, following his first season developing whilst playing for (Richmond affiliate) Coburg’s reserves in the VFL. After 15 games in 2009 and 10 games in 2010, Rance cemented himself in the Tigers’ defence from 2011.
For the remainder of his career, Rance was widely regarded as the competition’s best key position defender, a claim backed up by AFL statistics partner Champion Data. He was an integral cog in Richmond’s drought-breaking premiership and played a key role off-the-field in the club’s 2019 flag, after being sidelined by an ACL injury.
Rance epitomised Richmond’s club values, winning the player-voted Francis Bourke Award six times throughout his career, including in his final year at the club. Rance finished his on-field career as a five-time All Australian, a Jack Dyer medallist and premiership player.
Away from the field, Rance focussed his attention on completing work as a Real Estate Agent and study in sport and recreation.
ON-FIELD ACHIEVEMENT:
- 200 games
- AFL premiership player (2017)
- Five-time All Australian team (2014-17)
- Jack Dyer Medal (2015)
- Six-time Francis Bourke Award winner
- 22Under22 team (2012)
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT:
- Cert III in Sport and Rec (Football Induction Program)
- REIV Agents Course
- Work placement with Little Real Estate
COMMUNITY SPIRIT:
- Ambassador Fit for Footy
- Ambassador The School Entrepreneurs Program
OFF-FIELD ACHIEVMENTS:
- Richmond vice-captain (2017-19)
- Established ‘The Academy School’
- Six-time Francis Bourke award winner (award that recognises the player who best exhibits Richmond Football Club’s values and trademarks)
- Richmond Football Club life member
- Authored a range of children’s book (Tiger’s Roar, Rabbit’s Hop, Monkey’s Tail)