By Tricia Mifsud
AFTER retiring from AFL in 2019, five-time All Australian Alex Rance laced his boots up to play for Seymour Lions on Saturday.
The Lions defeated Mansfield by 41 points in front of one of its biggest home crowds for 2021 and now remain the only undefeated side in the Goulburn Valley Football League, after recording their eighth straight win for the season.
Lions head coach Ben Davey said Rance, a former Richmond premiership player, was exceptional not only on the day, but commended the 31-year-old for mentoring the side during training on the Thursday night prior to the match.
“Alex being involved on the Thursday night at training then playing on game day is going to be something that people remember for the long time, and the players involved won’t ever forget it,” Davey said.
“You can’t underestimate the impact that Alex had on the boys and the example he has set was such a good example.”
Rance played in the forward line, in the ruck and in the midfield, staying away from the defence – which he starred in as an AFL player.
Although he didn’t contribute in goals, Rance’s leadership on the field and guiding the Lions was just as influential.
Unsurprisingly, he was one of the best for Seymour, Davey recognising his contribution as ‘outstanding’.
