'Served my purpose': Alex Rance quits AFL in retirement bombshell
Champion Richmond defender and devout Jehovah's Witness Alex Rance has announced his shock retirement from the AFL to focus on his family and faith.
The five-time All-Australian informed his teammates of the surprise move on Thursday morning.
Rance leaves the sport after making 200 senior appearances.
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"I am someone who will always give their best to what they commit to and I'm proud of the time, energy and dedication that I've put towards my football career," Rance said in a club statement.
"Right now, I feel I have served my purpose in terms of my on-field performance and cultural impact and I'm so grateful to the football club for their support and care in allowing me to do that in my own unique way.
"Now I feel is the right time for me to put the same time and energy into other areas of my life that need it and to prioritise the more important things to me, such as my spiritual growth, my family and friends."
AFL world in shock over Rance’s retirement
Rance was a key player in the Tigers' breakthrough premiership in 2017, but missed this year's grand final romp over GWS after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament in round one.
The 30-year-old had been on track to return to senior action in round one, before making the call to retire.
Club chief executive Brendon Gale paid tribute to the impact the star defender has had at Richmond, both on and off the field.
"He leaves this club a highly-decorated premiership player and it has been a privilege for all us to watch him play," Gale said.
"He is clearly one of the greatest players to have pulled on the Richmond jumper.
"Alex has been the ultimate competitor, an incredible character of the club, and a fine example of a Richmond man.
"Although he's stepping away from playing football, he'll always be part of Richmond and we wish him and his family all the best for the future.".
Well no one saw that coming! Just fortunate he went a few extra years to win the flag! Goodluck to the greatest defender of the modern era 🐯🏆 #GoTiges
— SMAILAGIĆ 🗣💯 (@PrimeWardell413) December 18, 2019
Alex Rance has retired from the AFL. Wow. Richmond have just confirmed the news. That is... incredible.
— SOS Tribute Account. (@CarltonFC_AJ) December 18, 2019
There will be plenty of well-deserved praise but for me Rance is the best defender I’ve ever seen regularly in the flesh. TV never did him anything close to justice.
— Adrian Polykandrites (@Adrian_Poly) December 18, 2019
🐯😲| TIGER SHOCK
All-Australian Alex Rance has retired.
MORE via @heraldsunmick: https://t.co/H0C5S0DnSI pic.twitter.com/ft3oNAMNsE— SuperFooty (AFL) (@superfooty) December 18, 2019
FOOTY BOMBSHELL | Alex Rance has called time on his career.https://t.co/xfyRiZyg7P
— 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) December 18, 2019