All Australian captain Alex Rance has signed a two-year contract extension with Richmond, taking the star fullback into his 13th season in the yellow and black.
Rance has been quoted in the past saying he wasn't sure how long he wanted to play football and he may hang up the boots at the end of his current deal.
His contract was due to expire at the end of next season but the 28-year-old has now secured his future until the end of 2021.
“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,” Rance told richmondfc.com.au.
MORE: The Rover's rant: The 'protected zone' has got to stop being protected - it's a nightmare!
“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.”
✍️🐯 pic.twitter.com/MFfYz8jV8e
— Richmond FC 🐯 (@Richmond_FC) July 12, 2018
Over his 190 AFL games, Rance has developed a reputation as the competition's most reliable key defender, earning four All Australians and one best and fairest, as well as playing a key part in the Tigers' drought-breaking 2017 premiership win.
Richmond footy manager Neil Balme said the club was pleased with Rance's decision to extend his contract.
“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 (Cotchin), along with Jack (Riewoldt) in leading our playing group.”
🐯✍️ Co-vice captain Alex Rance has signed a new deal with Richmond.https://t.co/VswfHvbLXq
— Richmond FC 🐯 (@Richmond_FC) July 12, 2018
The news comes as a further boost to the reigning premiers who are in red-hot form, a game clear on top of the ladder after 15 rounds.
Richmond will take on GWS at Spotless Stadium on Saturday night.
