Ben Rutten knows precisely what constitutes a top performance from a key defender at the game’s highest level.

Rutten, who retired as a player from AFL football at the end of last season, was widely regarded as one of the best key backs in the competition.

He earned a glowing reputation throughout a 229-game, 12-year career with the Adelaide Crows, winning All-Australian selection along the way.

Become a Richmond member for the 2015 season

Now, in his capacity as Richmond’s backline coach, Rutten is appreciating and admiring the efforts of key Tiger defender Alex Rance.

Although the Tigers suffered a disappointing 19-point loss to the Western Bulldogs in their Round 2 clash at the MCG last Saturday, Rance was simply magnificent, further underlining his status as a premier backman of the competition.

He had 28 disposals, including 11 contested possessions, took a game-high 13 marks, constantly repelled Bulldog attacking thrusts and also initiated forward moves for the Richmond side through his superb rebound work.

“I think a lot of the defenders held up pretty well down there,” Rutten said on ‘The Richmond Review’.

“We got caught out a couple of times on turnover, but Alex was terrific. 

“Right from the start he was playing in front of his man and anticipating the balls coming forward.

“I thought his game was exceptional.”