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Alex Rance certain to come under scrutiny after unsportsmanlike dive in Richmond’s win over Essendon

ALEX Rance is embroiled in another diving controversy and is certain to come under match review scrutiny with Kane Cornes labelling his performance “embarrassing”.

Alex Rance takes a dive against Essendon.
Alex Rance takes a dive against Essendon.

ALEX Rance is embroiled in another diving controversy.

The Tigers star defender has a history of “flops” but has escaped sanction on each occasion.

The All-Australian is under scrutiny again after a comical tumble in the Tigers’ win over Essendon in Dreamtime at the G on Saturday night.

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Battling Bomber Shaun McKernan in a one-on-one, Rance threw himself forward after minimal contact in the marking contest.

Rance won the free kick for his efforts, much to McKernan’s disgust.

Kane Cornes labelled it the “worst free kick of the year” and called for Rance to be sanctioned.

Alex Rance tackles Jake Stringer.
Alex Rance tackles Jake Stringer.

“It’s the worst free kick of the year,” he told the AFL website.

“Let’s face it and be honest, great player, but he has a history with staging.

“He’s channelling his best Superman impersonation. He’ll wake up and be embarrassed.”

AFL great Wayne Carey went even further.

“It puts a stain on his career. He’s got to cut that crap out,” he told Triple M.

Following Swan Callum Sinclair’s fine for diving on Friday night, it is expected Rance will earn a similar reprimand.

Speaking on Channel 7, AFL legend Leigh Matthews said Rance deserved a fine.

“He might get fined, that’s the point. If Callum Sinclair got fined I think Rancey might have a fine coming too,” he said.

While on Channel 9, Billy Brownless said the key defender was too good to be using unsportsmanlike tactics.

“Rancey has done this a couple of times,” he said.

“Does Dimma or anyone have a little chat to him. This is unlike Rancey, he doesn’t need to do this.”

Tigers teammate Josh Caddy suggested he was preparing for a post-football career.

“I’m sure Dimma probably would (have a word) but he is a good-looking man Rancey so maybe he is practising for post football off to Hollywood maybe,” he said.

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Originally published as Alex Rance certain to come under scrutiny after unsportsmanlike dive in Richmond’s win over Essendon

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/alex-rance-certain-to-come-under-scrutiny-after-unsportsmanlike-dive-in-richmonds-win-over-essendon/news-story/7e4c2b0d5fed14409536cf82a7619591