Richmond champion Alex Rance has tied his future to the AFL premiers, signing a two-year contract extension with the Tigers.
One of the best players of his generation, Rance had been due to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2019 but has committed to stay at Richmond until 2021.
The Tigers vice-captain is a four-time All-Australian and helped lead his side to a drought-breaking premiership last season.
Few had expected Rance to seek a new home but the key defender would have commanded enormous interest on the open market.
His biggest decision may have been whether to continue playing at all.
The 28-year-old has previously flirted with retirement, admitting he came close to walking away from the game when he was last off-contract in 2015.
A devout Jehovah's Witness, Rance weighed up whether his career was compatible with his religious beliefs and the needs of his family.
The West Australian-born star on Thursday said his close relationship with his teammates influenced his decision to stay with the Tigers.
"It's amazing, you talk very much about the connection that we have, and the fun that we have at this football club, and never have I spent a time in my life where I've enjoyed work so much," he said.
"We enjoy each other's company on and off the field, and to be able to go out and play in front of so many people is a pretty amazing privilege for us to have."
Tigers football boss Neil Balme said Rance was a leader at the club alongside skipper Trent Cotchin and fellow vice-captain Jack Riewoldt.
"Alex is first and foremost a wonderful person and leader at our football club, and an incredibly talented and competitive player too," Balme said.
"We're so pleased to have a person of his character at Richmond, who cares so much for his teammates, and is great support for Trent, along with Jack in leading our playing group."
Rance has played 190 games for the Tigers since being taken with the No.18 pick in the 2007 draft.
Share
