Alex Rance cops it for diving in Richmond Tigers' huge win over Essendon Bombers

Angus Reid

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Alex Rance cops it for diving in Richmond Tigers' huge win over Essendon Bombers image

Alex Rance is a wonderful defender, arguably the best in the game, but this is a terrible look for the AFL.

During Richmond's huge win over Essendon on Saturday at the MCG, Rance 'over exaggerated' a push from Essendon forward Shaun McKernan.

It's not the first time the incumbent All Australian skipper has come under scrutiny for diving, but hopefully, due to the backlash, it will be the last.

Watch Rance's acting in the video player below.

To the ire of the AFL community, Rance was awarded a free kick for his efforts, and in the next 30 seconds, the Tigers went onto score.

Back in 2017 against Lance Franklin and the Sydney Swans, Rance is shown below to be eager to milk a free kick off the AFL star.

Earlier in round 11, Sydney's ruckman Callum Sinclair was fined for staging in his side's win over Carlton.

The incident can be seen below, and it doesn't make for pretty vision.

Former AFL star Kane Cornes was ropeable due to Rance's efforts, and let the 28-year-old know about it.

“It’s the worst free-kick of the year,” Cornes told AFL.com.au.

“Let’s face it and be honest, great player, but he has a history with staging.

“He’s channelling his best Superman impersonation. He’ll wake up and be embarrassed.”

Cornes wasn't the only one, as Wayne Carey revealed he thinks it will have a long-term effect on Rance's legacy.

“It puts a stain on his career. He’s got to cut that crap out,” Carey told Triple M.

After fining Essendon's Josh Green earlier in the year for staging, match review officer Michael Christian revealed he was keen to stamp out the tactic.

“It’s something that I’m looking for that I don’t think is a great part of the game and want to try to stamp it out," Christian said.

The media weren't the only ones to give it to Rance.





 

Angus Reid

Angus Reid Photo