Alex Rance reported for striking Melbourne star Jack Watts in the head
VIDEO: RICHMOND’S Alex Rance has been offered a two-match suspension after a cowardly shot on Jack Watts which team-mate Brett Deledio has described as “a complete brain fade”.
RICHMOND star Alex Rance faces two weeks on the sidelines after being reported for an ugly — and cowardly — cheap shot on Jack Watts.
Rance was beaten in a marking contest late in the last quarter when he let frustration get the better of him and struck Watts to the back of the head as he laid face down on the ground.
On Monday the AFL’s match review panel slapped Rance a two-match ban - the final-term strike assessed as intentional conduct with medium impact to the head.
The ugly incident sparked a melee on the ground as Melbourne players rushed the All Australian defender in the forward pocket.
Watts suffered no injuries from the attack, regaining composure to kick the goal from point blank range after the umpire awarded him a 50m penalty.
“You can’t solely judge Alex (Rance) on that act,” Brett Deledio told the ABC. “It’s a complete brain fade but it doesn’t excuse what he did.”
No Alex Rance and (maybe) no Riewoldt against Port Adelaide at the MCG on Sat. Just makes Rance's weak act inexcusable from a team leader.
â Glenn McFarlane (@MaccaHeraldSun) April 24, 2016
Medium impact is 2 weeks for Rance. Probably deserves that or more for a very ordinary act https://t.co/Nx1pCbxvrL
â Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) April 24, 2016
Alex Rance. Weakness personified. #AFLDeesTigers
â Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) April 24, 2016
Dog act from Rance
â Jude Bolton (@Jude_Bolton) April 24, 2016
Poor, poor, poor from Alex Rance. Tigers 1-4, Riewoldt with a dodgy ankle and now Rance surely suspended for a cowardly hit on Jack Watts
â Sam Edmund (@SammyHeraldSun) April 24, 2016
I rate alex rance but that's as soft as butter!! Great work by Viney sticking up for a mate!! Dee's are up and about #AFLDeesTigers
â jamesmagner (@jamesmag23) April 24, 2016
It punctuated a dirty night for Richmond as the Demons surged to a 33-point victory.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick spoke briefly about the incident after the match.
“He’s disappointed with the action, obviously,” Hardwick said. “It’s unlike Alex, he was frustrated, but there’s not much I can say about it.”
There was several spotfires throughout the match as the rejuvenated Demons provoked at every opportunity.
Tomas Bugg did the bulk of the agitating, while several Demons including Christian Salem and Lynden Dunn could be sent a bill for a melee at quarter time.
Richmond must regroup ahead of next Saturday night’s match against equally disappointing Port Adelaide at the MCG.
The Tigers could be without Rance and spearhead Jack Riewoldt who had treatment on a rolled ankle late in the loss to Melbourne.
Riewoldt returned to the field but was noticeably in discomfort.
Originally published as Alex Rance reported for striking Melbourne star Jack Watts in the head