Rance told to recharge for 2020 assault

RICHMOND will urge Alex Rance to take an extended off-season break over summer as his selfless decision to shelve his dramatic ACL comeback sidelines him for Saturday’s grand final. Rance and Jack Higgins (brain surgery) will be the Tigers’ heartbreak stories if Richmond triumphs on Saturday. Five-time All-Australian Rance was at one stage keen to return from his Round 1 ACL tear, but he wasn’t willing to risk the club’s chances if he suffered a recurrence mid-game. The Tigers had pushed him to take a break away from the club after he pulled the pin on his comeback despite extraordinary progress. But he has not only been keen to stay close to the players, he has continued his role as one of the club’s most selfless team men. Richmond football boss Neil Balme said yesterday the club was happy for him to take a longer break than mandated over summer to refresh and recharge. He almost quit football in 2015, but has signed a contract extension through to 2021 and remains footy’s premier defender. After signing that new deal in 2015 he took an extended break over summer to travel. Balme said Rance, 30 next month, came back from his offseason rest in such amazing shape the club was happy for him to dictate his return date.

Teammate Dylan Grimes said yesterday he continued to be an inspiration to the players.

“He's actually been amazing so far. There was vision of him at the VFL grand final [on Sunday] celebrating as though he was out there and really a part of it,” Grimes said.

"He was a part of it because he played such a huge role in the development in not just our young players but some players like myself who have played a similar role to him.

"The energy he brings to the group this year has been testament to the character he is because it would be understandable for a player of that influence going out in Round 1 and seeing the team play a role in finals like we have so far ... it would be understandable for them to go I guess kind of insular and make it about them.”

Richmond star forward Tom Lynch said the players were desperate to get around Higgins after his second brain surgery, but had been told to give him his space.

“Jack is going through a really tough time,” he said.

“We want to see him back, that bubbly person he is and will be once he gets fully fit again.

“He had that operation a couple of weeks ago and we are being told to let him be. It’s easier to text him. I can’t wait to have him back at this footy club. It’s a pretty tough time for him.”