Brett Deledio says Richmond teammate Alex Rance deserves longer off-season break

UPDATE: ALEX Rance’s extra-long off-season break last summer will be a one-off with the Tigers defender to start pre-season training at the same time as his senior teammates.

Richmond stars Alex Rance and Brett Deledio. Picture: Michael Klein

ALEX Rance’s extra-long off-season break last summer will be a one-off.

The Herald Sun has confirmed the Richmond superstar plans to start pre-season training at the same time as the rest of his senior teammates in either mid-November or early December this year.

Rance, 26, was given three months off last summer to holiday in the United States with his wife.

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It was part of an agreement with the Tigers to give Rance some extra time away from the game after considering quitting football in early last year.

But the powerhouse backman recommitted to a four-year deal and will take a shorter off-season break this summer after a disappointing 2016 campaign.

Alex Rance tries to avoid a Luke Breust tackle.

The Tigers have denied Rance’s extended annual leave request last year was a source of friction among the players this season.

Rance, who won last year’s best and fairest award, has again been one of the club’s best players this season, and is on track for a third-straight All-Australian guernsey.

Star midfielder Brett Deledio said the Tigers joked about his time off, but was adamant Rance deserved the extra off-season privilege due to his excellent on-field form in recent seasons.

Brett Deledio in action before getting injured in Round 17. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“It’s like any other footy club, it’s about ribbing him (Rance) and giving him a bit of stick more than anything else,” Deledio said.

“Alex has certainly shown that he deserves to be looked after.

“You want to almost make sure that he is in pristine condition and without being back day one (of preseason) with everyone else.”

Deledio said Rance kept himself in top condition during his extended break, anyway.

“He came back (from the longer break) and ran a PB (personal best) last year when he did come back, so he certainly looks after himself,” Deledio said on Triple M.

“He certainly does everything right to get those breaks.”

Originally published as Brett Deledio says Richmond teammate Alex Rance deserves longer off-season break