Rance ‘happy out of footy’

RICHMOND forward Jack Riewoldt says his former premiership teammate Alex Rance is relishing his life after football.

Riewoldt revealed he had been in contact with the fivetime All-Australian yesterday and said Rance was enjoying his freedom away from the AFL. Rance dropped a bombshell in December last year when he announced he was walking away from football to focus on his family and faith.

“I spoke to Rancey this morning and he is doing really great,” Riewoldt said.

“He said he was happy to be training when he wants to train and happy to go home from work when he wants to go home from work.

“He is in a great space and obviously it was a bit of a surprise to a lot of people but he is doing really well and I think he is enjoying life after footy.”

Asked if he thought Rance would ever play football again, Riewoldt said it was not something he was concerned about — only Rance’s happiness.

“Do I think he will play again? I have got no idea,” Riewoldt said. “I am not focused on whether he is going to play again for us or for local footy or anything like that, I’m just happy that he is happy.”

Riewoldt said he had been amazed at the attention the Richmond players had received for not coming out publicly to pay tribute immediately after Rance’s retirement.

“[I made] a lot less [of it] than what everyone else made of it,” Riewoldt said.

“I think the coach was quoted on the fact that we’d rather have a phone call or a face to face and tell him how much we love him rather than spread it all viral through social media.

“We’ve got an amazing connection at this football club that I think is unrivalled in the AFL and we show our support that way and we will continue to do that.”

Riewoldt admitted it had been a strange feeling not having Rance around at the club over the pre-season.

“I supposed it has been a little bit weird to be honest. He is such a vibrant character, he has brought so much to this football club,” Riewoldt said.

As the Tigers prepare for life without Rance, Riewoldt predicted fellow forward Tom Lynch was in line for a big season after his impressive debut with the club last year. Lynch played every match for the Tigers in his first year at Punt Rd, kicking 63 goals.

“I’m really excited about what Lynchy can bring to the team this year,” Riewoldt said.

“It was touch and go whether he was going to play last year. [For him] to play every game [last year] and have the impact that he did, it has set himself up for the second year here at the football club.”