Richmond's 2017 premiership full-back, Alex Rance, has joined his old coach Damien Hardwick at the Gold Coast Suns in a part-time off-field role for 2024.
Rance ended his playing days in 2019 after producing one of the most stellar defensive careers in the AFL this century, earning five All-Australian selections with a captaincy honour and a club best & fairest.
The 34-year-old now joins Gold Coast's football department as a leadership consultant and ambassador for the club's newest business partner, LOOP Logics.
One can assume he will also assist the Suns' defensive unit, working with fellow star backmen Sam Collins, Charlie Ballard and potential star in the making, Mac Andrew.
“From a football perspective, I was really excited to come to the Gold Coast, I really love the trajectory of the football club,” Rance said in a club media release.
“I'm looking forward to working with the players and staff to help grow our leadership capacity. We have some great people at the SUNS and evolving with them is something I am really excited about."
The move adds even more former Tiger flare in the football department with the recent addition of Shaun Grigg as an assistant under Hardwick.
Hardwick, Rance and Grigg were all pivotal pieces of Richmond's drought-breaking 2017 flag and will reunite in a new era at the Suns.
Gold Coast's football manager Wayne Campbell spoke about the impact that a character like Rance can have on a professional playing group.
“We are excited to have Alex involved with the club next year in a part-time capacity in the leadership and mental skills space,” Campbell said.
“Throughout his playing career, Alex proved himself to be the ultimate professional through his mental preparation and mindset which we believe is an area he can add value to our playing group off the field.
“In his time with Richmond, Alex worked closely with Damien Hardwick, and understands the program he is looking to implement at the SUNS after spending many years as vice-captain and in the leadership group.”
The fruits of these inclusions at Gold Coast will be seen in the coming years as the Suns look to finally break their finals drought with a spot in the eight and an eventual shot at the club's first-ever flag.