Richmond legend links with Bombers

ESSENDON has scored a coup in securing the services of Richmond premiership defender Alex Rance as a parttime development coach.

The five-time All-australian played a one-off game for the Bombers’ VFL side in the last state league game this year, giving rise to speculation he might even stage an AFL comeback.

But the 31-year-old (pictured) will instead come on board as a development role, reuniting with senior coach Ben Rutten and assistant coach Blake Caracella, both of whom were at Richmond at stages of Rance’s stellar league career.

Rance will work alongside the club’s development coaches Leigh Tudor and Cam Roberts, working with the Bombers’ key position players as well as the first to fourth-year players in the Jack Jones Academy.

“I’m really excited to join the Bombers as a development coach for next season,” Rance said. “I couldn’t think of a better place to start my journey as a coach in the AFL. Having familiar faces in ‘Truck’ (Rutten) and ‘Cara’ (Caracella) around to work with was really appealing to me.

“I really enjoyed my experience with the VFL Bombers up in Queensland earlier this year and I loved helping those young players grow and learn, which will be a big part of my role. I can’t wait to get started and help the club towards success.”

Rance’s enjoyment in working briefly with the VFL side this year fuelled his intention to get involved even further as a coach.

Essendon general manager of football Josh Mahoney said the club was buoyed by Rance’s acquisition to the coaching staff.

“We have a young, developing group … and Alex will bring leadership and a high-performance mindset to the entire squad, as well as focusing on developing the fundamentals of our key position players,” Mahoney said.