Jack now a tiger’s tale

THE bromance between Richmond stars Jack Riewoldt and Alex Rance has reached new heights, with Rance having written a children’s book based on Riewoldt’s life story.

The book, Rabbit’s Hole, is based around a character called Jack Rabbit and his journey from Tasmania to the mainland — and then on to stardom.

RICHMOND superstar Alex Rance has written a children’s book about his best mate, Tasmanian Jack Riewoldt.

The book is a follow-up to Tigers Roar, a kids’ book with players and people portrayed as animals written after the club’s 2017 AFL flag triumph.

The new book, due in June, is called Rabbit’s Hole and is based around the character Jack Rabbit and his journey from the island of Tasmania to the mainland and to stardom.

Why Jack? ‘’It’s a great story and I wanted to tell it,’’ Rance said.

Riewoldt said: “It’s up there with one the nicest things anyone has done for me.”

However, it was not always a bromance with the two, who spent years as foes at the club.

Their lowest point – and both say they are embarrassed by it – arrived late on a Mad Monday at the Cricketer’s Arms several years ago.

Rance, ever the prankster, was agitating Riewoldt. He did something the star forward didn’t like and Riewoldt responded by striking out.

“Yeah, he clocked me, not hard, but he clocked me,” Rance said. “I deserved it.’’

Riewoldt adds: “I look back now and think, what the hell were we doing?’’

Neither hides the contempt they once held for each other, nor do they hide the respect and love they now maintain for each other.

Riewoldt said of Rance: “He’s a brother and to be honest he was like a brother when we first butted heads because we were so similar.

“He’s been there for me when I’ve needed mates most in my lowest of lows and I’ve celebrated on a different level with him in the highest of highs.’’

Riewoldt, 30, and Rance, 29, now live about a kilometre from each other in Brighton. Their wives are also close.