AFL: Richmond premiership coach Damien Hardwick says Alex Rance could make an AFL comeback if he chose to

An AFL comeback for Richmond premiership star Alex Rance isn’t quite happening, but his former coach says if anyone could do it, it would be the former defender.

Former Richmond AFL player Alex Rance is making a comeback. Picture: Alex Coppel

If anyone could make a comeback after three years out of the game, Alex Rance could according to his premiership coach Damien Hardwick.

Rance, a five-time All-Australian defender, made the shock decision to retire at the end of the 2019 season after missing that year’s premiership, and all but the opening game of the season, with a knee injury.

Now 31, Rance made a playing comeback with country team Seymour this month, and now the Herald Sun has revealed he will run out with Essendon’s VFL team in a practice match in Queensland this weekend.

Hardwick said Rance had picked the wrong club to play for but called the key defender “one of the greatest players I have ever seen play the game” and, having retired too early, could make an AFL comeback if he chose to.

“I haven’t spoken to him for some time, I’m not sure. He’s one of the more athletically gifted players I have ever seen play the game. If there was ever a person going to come back after a three-year lay-off, it might be Alex,” Hardwick said.

“What his mindset is, it is challenging, has he had some time to freshen up? I’ll back Alex in whatever way he goes to be honest.

Alex Rance considering playing for Essendon VFL has my head spinning way too much

— Scooter (@ScooterMcNeice) July 22, 2021

“He’s such an incredible player, I think we’d all agree he did retire early, but we understand his reasons. If he came back to the game it would be a good thing, the game would be better for it.

“The challenge is set, we’ll see how he goes on the weekend and how it transpires from there.

“Hopefully, he goes OK. I just wish it was in our colours.”

Rance is holidaying in Queensland and has maintained a close relationship with Essendon coach Ben Rutten, who was an assistant at the Tigers and played a key role in the premiership defender’s career.

It’s believed Rance has no plans to enter the draft or rejoin AFL ranks next season at this stage.

Originally published as AFL: Richmond premiership coach Damien Hardwick says Alex Rance could make an AFL comeback if he chose to