They don’t often cross paths on the field, but Richmond’s reigning Michael Roach medallist, Jack Riewoldt, is looking forward to seeing key defender Alex Rance continue his progress in season 2015. 

Riewoldt is one of many Rance admirers, and believes the success the full-back enjoyed last season was just reward for the hard work he has produced over a number of years. 

“I think you saw in our season last year, and it’s been well documented, that we started very poorly but we were able to come home strongly,” Riewoldt said. 

“The main reason behind that is getting back Ivan Maric, Brett Deledio and Alex Rance, who we missed at the start of season 2014. 

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“Alex got what he deserved last year in terms of All-Australian honours, and he finished very high up in the Best and Fairest. 

“He is held in very, very high regard in our football club.  He’d be in the top two trainers in every session – the way he pushes himself, and how professional he is. 

“A lot of people knew that he was going to come on the way he has.  The biggest thing for him is backing it up, and from what I’ve seen in the pre-season this year, he’s ready to take another step.” 

Along with his team-mates, Riewoldt is excited about the prospect of another key defender, David Astbury, slotting back into the Tigers’ defence after another season ruined by injury. 

The 23-year-old was in the top three of the Club’s Jack Dyer Medal count when he was struck down by a knee injury in Round 9 last year. 

“We saw some fruits of his labour with Alex being out last year, and playing on the bigger key forwards, how good of a player he was,” Riewoldt said. 

“It was unfortunate he had another knee injury, which has wrecked another season for him. 

“Those two guys down there are creating a great little duo and hopefully we can continue to build a strong backline around guys like Alex and David.”