'I'm glad I didn't go': Alex Rance savours Richmond Tigers' 2017 grand final win

September 30, 2017

He’s spoken about it before – Alex Rance seriously considered walking away from footy two years ago.

Fast forward to the end of 2016, when Richmond were in turmoil. A pitiful year and a 13th place finish had people questioning coach Damien Hardwick’s leadership and even if the board should remain.

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After a rocky start Richmond took control of the second-half, romping to a 48 point win.

Now, on the last Saturday in September 2017, Rance has added to his standing in the game as one of the best full backs of the modern era by becoming a premiership player.

“We are a champion team now, we have proven that with these medals,” Rance said from the victorious Richmond rooms, as a hefty spray of champagne covered his face.

“It’s big, it’s big. I was very close (to leaving footy), I am glad I didn’t because this is a great feeling being covered in alcohol. I am going to be sticky as in about half an hour but I couldn’t care less.

“I was very close (to walking away from footy), I had a lot of things lined up but I am glad I didn’t go.”

Rance made mention of 2016’s fairytale story, the premiership-winning Western Bulldogs, when trying to explain the Tigers’ road to success.

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“The Dogs were the flagship team to give the underdog the hope but we never really thought that the process we put in place would get us this far. We just kept taking one step in front, one step in front and now we are here.

“Nick Vlaustin, David Astbury, Dylan Grimes, the pressure from our forward line and our mids, it’s unreal.”

Rance was wonderful in the Tigers win. At the end of the second quarter he was particularly stunning, when he saved two almost-certain goals and Adelaide mounted their most meaningful challenge of the match.

That the Tigers held out from conceding late in that second term went a long way to their victory. His six marks and 11 disposals don’t read like a fantastic game of grand final footy, but every one of them was well-timed and typically classy.

Of the speculation at the end of 2016 that Hardwick should be sacked and that the club’s executive should walk, Rance said the group was now vindicated.

“It’s such strong leadership. Such strong leadership from Brendon Gale, ‘Dimma’ and Trent Cotchin,” he said.

“To be able to stand their ground and go ‘no, we believe in the path we are going’ – here’s the fruit.

“Best captain in the league (Cotchin), well he is now. Trent and Dimma and Brendon Gale deserve all the credit. They have built something fantastic and we just need to keep riding the wave.”

Rance said that leadership and a special connection and focus in the group meant the side was able to harness top talent but also mix it with lesser-known players.

“We’ve got talent coming out the wah-zoo with Dusty and Rioli and Riewoldt and Cotch but you need connection, you all need to work together and it’s a team game.

“[The bottom six] they were fantastic, because it is about knowing your role and not trying to be something you aren’t.

“Everyone has a pretty clear understanding of what they are and we’ve been able to bear amazing fruit.”

Rance was asked about next season, despite it being minutes after tasting the ultimate success this year. He offered what words he could on the challenge of keeping this “special” group of Tigers together.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the boys … I love them all … I hope not (that anyone leaves), after you win a flag it is pretty rare so I am going to just enjoy the moment, I can’t think that far ahead.”

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