Alex Rance's incredible interview after devastating injury
Richmond star Alex Rance has been praised for his “class” during a post-match interview, despite suffering a potentially season-ending injury in the opening round of the 2019 AFL season.
Rance landed awkwardly in the third quarter of Thursday night’s season-opening win over Carlton and was in agony as he limped from the MCG.
Richmond confirmed on Friday the defender suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which could sideline him for the remainder of the season.
"Initial signs don't look too good."
– Rance#AFLBluesTigers pic.twitter.com/KpSKLbonKx
— 7AFL (@7AFL) March 21, 2019
Despite the setback on his 200th AFL game, Rance returned to the bench and cheered on his team.
He has also been praised for his “class on and off the field” following a post-match interview when asked about the unfortunate injury in his 200th game.
“It’s not ideal, a little bit sore, but so pumped the way everyone came out…I am just so pumped to be a part of this team, I love it,” he said.
“I will find out the severity, initial signs don’t look too good, but I’m in a great team, we’ve got a great culture, I don’t have too much to be sad about.”
Rance also said he was pleased to share his milestone with Jack Riewoldt on a special night.
Teammates in tears
Coach Damien Hardwick said some teammates were in tears on Thursday night as the severity of Rance’s injury became apparent.
But he pointed to West Coast, who lost ruckman Nic Naitanui to a knee reconstruction, Andrew Gaff to suspension and Brad Sheppard (hamstring) on the way to last year’s premiership.
“Last year, West Coast – Naitanui goes down,” Hardwick said.
“These things can be overcome.”
Hoping the best for Alex Rance, shocking to see one of the games best go down.. Class on and off the field!
— Harris Andrews (@HarrisAndrews31) March 21, 2019
Scoreboard didn’t reflect the game in my opinion.
Fingers crossed for Rancy; all class and outstanding leadership to get to the bench and support the boys 🙌🏽 @Richmond_FC— Stephanie Chiocci (@Steph_Chiocci) March 21, 2019
He nominated young defender Ryan Garthwaite, who played two senior games last season, as a teammate who could take Rance’s spot in the side.
Hardwick did not hide their bitter disappointment at the likely bad news.
“Your heart sinks because you’ve been through a lot with this guy, been through a journey,” he said.
“Then to have it taken away from you (in) round one, it is disappointing.
“We walk away with four points, but we certainly walk away disappointed – we’ve lost a warrior.”
Richmond kicked away in the last term to beat Carlton by 33 points and star recruit Tom Lynch kicked three goals, but Hardwick said there was plenty of room for improvement.
“I thought it was clunky,” Hardwick said of their performance.
“We left a lot of goals on the table. Our composure across the forward half wasn’t what it normally is.
“But in fairness, you walk away with a 33-point win, you’re always happy in round one because it’s a tough round.”