Alex Rance says he contemplated walking away from football before re-signing with Richmond

RICHMOND defender Alex Rance said he considered walking away from football before deciding to stay at Punt Rd until the end of 2019.

Richmond v West Coast

ALEX Rance said he considered retiring at 25 or continuing his AFL career at a Perth club before recommitting to Richmond until 2019.

The All-Australian finalised his drawn-out and heavily publicised contract negotiations last week and with paperwork about to be signed, the Tigers have critically shored up their most important key defender.

Rance said he decided to play on in the belief it wouldn’t impact his family, relationship with his wife Georgia or his strong faith as a Jehovah’s Witness.

“I did consider (walking away),” Rance said.

“(And) I would have to say that (playing at another club) was (considered).

“But when it came down to the crunch, I knew that it was Richmond or nothing at all.”

The free agent — who has in-laws in Perth — fielded interest from Fremantle, with coach Ross Lyon’s Dockers actively hunting key-position stars.

Rance’s deal ensures the Tigers have retained all of their key targets with explosive midfielder Dustin Martin and captain Trent Cotchin re-signing until 2017 and 2020 respectively.

Rance said he never considered taking 2016 — reportedly to backpack through Europe — and then reigniting his AFL career in 2017.

“It’s a pretty big decision to step away from the game so it wouldn’t just be a bit of a freshen-up, it would be more for a complete lifestyle change,” he said.

“If I thought football was going to impact on my family, my beliefs or my relationship with my wife, then I would very seriously think about leaving the game.

“If I thought that football was going to put me in a position where I might be perceived to be a bad role model or have negative values then I’d definitely step away.

Alex Rance draws a high tackle free kick against Josh Kennedy.

“But at this point in time I feel like I can be a good role model. I’ve got good values, and my family does as well.

“I’m very happy with the decision I made and I feel like it is the right decision.”

The rebound king — who Champion Data rates as elite for intercept marks and spoils — thanked coach Damien Hardwick and football manager Dan Richardson for their support.

“The club’s been fantastic, that they haven’t put any pressure on me. I think if I started to feel pressure inside the four walls then it might have affected my form,” he said.

“In my mind, I can keep (footy) as a job. As soon as I leave the club I can put it aside and enjoy the time with my wife. It does become all-encompassing at times.”

As for the lengthy contract?

“I’ve got currency now. Why not?”