Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has "no doubt" defender Alex Rance will play for the AFL club next year.
Rance is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this year and has postponed contract talks with the club.
There has also been speculation he might retire after this season.
But Hardwick is bullish that Rance will stay a Tiger.
The coach said he and Tigers football manager Dan Richardson will meet with the 2014 All Australian in the next fortnight.
"I have no doubt Alex, in my opinion, will remain in a Richmond jumper next year ... no doubt," Hardwick told Channel Seven's Talking Footy.
Hardwick was then asked why he was so optimistic about the decision Rance would make about his AFL future.
"We think we're in a good situation with Alex at the moment," he said.
"The way he's playing is an outstanding brand of football.
"He's playing well for our jumper, he's very happy where he is and I have no doubts he'll be here next year."
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