Alex Rance facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alex Rance
Rance with Richmond in March 2017
Personal information
Full name	Alex James Rance
Nickname(s)	Tross
Date of birth	(1989-10-09) 9 October 1989 (age 35)
Place of birth	Perth, Western Australia
Original team	Swan Districts (WAFL)
Draft	No. 18, 2007 national draft
Debut	Round 2, 2009, Richmond v. Geelong, at Kardinia Park
Position(s)	Fullback
Career highlights
AFL AFL premiership player: 2017 5× All-Australian team: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 (c), 2018 22under22 team: 2012 Richmond Jack Dyer Medal (RFC B&F): 2015 2× Jack Titus Medal (2nd RFC B&F): 2016, 2017 Richmond vice-captain: 2017–2019 Richmond Life Member

Alex James Rance (born 9 October 1989) is a former professional Australian rules football player. He played for the Richmond Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Alex Rance was a champion player, winning a premiership with his team. He was chosen as an All-Australian player five times. He even captained the All-Australian team once. Many people think he was one of the best defenders of his time. From 2017 to 2019, he was also a vice-captain for Richmond.

Early Life and Junior Football Career

Alex Rance comes from a family of footballers. His dad, Murray Rance, played for Footscray and West Coast Eagles. He was also a captain for Swan Districts in the WAFL. Alex was born in Perth, Western Australia. He started playing junior football at Noranda Junior Football Club. Later, he played for Swan Districts in the WAFL.

In 2007, Alex played for Western Australia in the Under 18 National Championships. His team won the championship. He was also picked as an All-Australian player for his great performance. He finished high school at Guildford Grammar School in Perth.

Alex Rance's AFL Journey

Starting Out in 2008

Richmond Football Club picked Alex Rance in the 2007 AFL national draft. He was the 18th player chosen overall. In his first year, he played for Coburg Football Club. This team is linked to Richmond in the VFL (Victorian Football League). He started to play well and was almost picked for AFL games. But he didn't play his first AFL game that year.

First AFL Games in 2009

Alex Rance made his AFL debut in 2009. It was in Round 2 against Geelong. He had 18 disposals (times he got the ball) and six marks (catches). He played several games but then got a cheekbone injury. He missed three matches because of it. He returned later in the season and played 15 senior matches. He also kicked his first career goal that year.

Finding His Way in 2010

In 2010, Alex played in different positions. He played as a key defender, a half-back, and even in the midfield. In one game, he kicked three goals, which was his best at the time. He played 10 games that season, but Richmond lost all of them. Alex thought about moving to another club. But he decided to stay with Richmond. He later said this made him feel more confident.

Breakout Season in 2011

The 2011 season was a big one for Alex Rance. He played in Round 1 for the first time. He was suspended for three matches after an incident in that game. But after he returned, he played every game. He became a strong key defender. He learned a lot from his defensive coach. Alex's average disposals went up a lot. He was second at the club for total marks. He won the club's Most Improved Player award.

Stronger Performance in 2012

Alex Rance had high hopes for the 2012 season. He wanted to play in finals for the first time. He played all 22 matches that year. In one game, he had a career-best 34 disposals and 17 marks. He also earned his first Brownlow Medal votes. He finished sixth in Richmond's best and fairest award.

Playing Finals in 2013

In 2013, Alex Rance continued to be Richmond's top defender. He played against some of the best forwards in the league. He helped his team win by stopping star players like Lance Franklin. Alex played in Richmond's first final game in 12 years. It was an elimination final against Carlton. He was ranked first at the club for marks and rebound 50s. He also won the Francis Bourke award for being a great clubman.

All-Australian Recognition in 2014

Alex Rance missed five games in 2014 due to a foot injury. His coach called him the best "one-on-one player" in the league. He was great at intercepting the ball. In a crucial game against Sydney, he had 12 intercept possessions. His teammate Jack Riewoldt said it was one of the best quarters of football he had ever seen. Alex was selected for his first All-Australian team that year. He also won his third Francis Bourke award.

Best and Fairest in 2015

In 2015, there was talk about Alex Rance possibly leaving Richmond. Other clubs were interested in him. But he decided to sign a new four-year contract with Richmond. He continued to be one of the best defenders. He played all 23 games that season. Alex won the Jack Dyer Medal as Richmond's best and fairest player. He was also picked for the All-Australian team for the second year in a row.

Leadership Role in 2016

Before the 2016 season, Alex Rance was voted into Richmond's leadership group. He became the leader for the team's defenders. He was suspended for two matches after an incident with another player. He played 20 matches that season and had a career-best 155 marks. He also became a life member of Richmond Football Club. Alex was selected as an All-Australian for the third time. He came very close to winning his second best and fairest award.

Premiership Glory in 2017

Alex Rance was named the best key defender in the AFL before the 2017 season. He became Richmond's co-vice captain. He led Richmond's defence as they won their first five games. He was excellent at intercepting the ball. He was named in the mid-season All-Australian team. In one game, he was criticized for exaggerating contact to get a free kick. The AFL decided not to penalize him for it.

At the end of the season, he was named in the All-Australian team for the fourth time. He was also named the team's captain. Alex Rance became a premiership player when Richmond won the 2017 AFL Grand Final. He was a key player in their victory. He finished third in the Norm Smith Medal for best player in the Grand Final. He also set a new club record for one-percenters (defensive efforts).

Another All-Australian Year in 2018

In 2018, Alex Rance was voted the best defender in the game by other players. He continued to lead the league in intercept possessions. He was fined $2,000 for a late spoil on an opponent. He also received a $1,000 fine for another incident where he exaggerated contact. He signed a new contract to stay with Richmond until 2021. Alex captained Richmond for the first time in a game against Essendon. He was named All-Australian for the fifth year in a row. This was a rare achievement. He played well in the finals, but Richmond lost in the preliminary final.

Injury and Retirement in 2019

Alex Rance played his 200th AFL match in the first game of the 2019 season. However, he suffered a severe knee injury (ACL tear) during that game. He had surgery and was expected to miss the rest of the season. Despite the injury, his recovery was very fast. He started running again and hoped to return late in the season.

However, in August, Alex decided not to return to playing that season. He wanted to avoid the risk of re-injuring his knee. He also wanted to focus on other parts of his life. He helped coach Richmond's VFL team, which won a premiership. Even though he didn't play, his teammates praised his leadership. He also won the Francis Bourke award for the sixth time.

On December 19, 2019, Alex Rance announced his retirement from AFL football. He said he wanted to focus on "more important things" like his spiritual growth, family, and friends. He confirmed his knee was fully healed and not the reason for his decision.

Alex Rance's Playing Style

Alex Rance played as a key defender. Many people consider him one of the best defenders in the history of Australian rules football. Since 2014, he has often been called the best defender in the game. Some experts even said he was one of the greatest defenders of all time. His coach, Damien Hardwick, once called him "the fullback of the century." People praised his ability to leave his direct opponent and intercept the ball. After he retired, he was still called the greatest defender of the modern era. In his early career, he played in different roles, including on the wing and as a forward.

Other Work and Interests

Alex Rance also worked in media. In 2016 and 2017, he was a guest on The Footy Show. He also co-hosted a podcast for AFL Media. In 2017, he became a presenter on the TV show Postcards.

In 2016, Alex founded The Academy. This was a school for high school students focused on Australian rules football. It aimed to give students different opportunities in sport. The Academy closed in 2023 due to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and teacher shortages.

Alex Rance is also a children's book author. He wrote Tiger's Roar in 2018. He also wrote Rabbit's Hop and Monkey's Tail in 2019.

Personal Life

Alex Rance's father, Murray Rance, was also an AFL player. His cousin, David Ellard, played for Carlton. Alex is a devout Jehovah's Witness. He married Georgia in December 2012. They separated in December 2019. While playing football, he studied carpentry, building, and piloting. He also worked part-time in real estate sales. In 2025, Alex married Karinda. He also has Indian heritage.

Statistics

Honours and Achievements

Team Awards

• AFL premiership player: 2017
• McClelland Trophy (Richmond): 2018

Individual Awards

• 5× All-Australian team: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
• All-Australian Captain: 2017
• 22under22 team: 2012
• Jack Dyer Medal (Richmond Best & Fairest): 2015
• Richmond vice-captain: 2017–2019
• Richmond most improved player: 2011
• 6× Francis Bourke award (Richmond best clubman)

Junior Awards

• U18 National Championship: 2007
• U18 All-Australian: 2007

Images for kids

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  Alex Rance kicks the football during a game in 2017.

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  Alex Rance takes a mark in front of Sydney forward Lance Franklin in 2017.

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  Alex Rance during the 2017 AFL Grand Final parade.

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  Alex Rance celebrates with teammates after Richmond's 2019 Grand Final victory.