Richmond defender Alex Rance has confirmed his standing among the Richmond playing group by winning the Francis Bourke Award for the second time in his career.

Rance followed his triumph in 2011 by being recognised as the player which most embodies the team’s trademarks of awareness, belief and discipline.

The award is voted on by the players, on a 3-2-1 basis, after each match.

For the second consecutive season, Rance played every game as a key defender, and showed further improvement alongside new recruit Troy Chaplin.

The 24-year-old found the perfect balance between curtailing the influence of his opponent, and providing the team with attacking options coming out of defence.

On six occasions during the 2013 season, Rance picked up 20 or more disposals, with a season high of 30 against Fremantle in Round 17.

He was ranked No. 1 at the Club for rebound 50s with 76, No. 1 for marks (153) and No. 1 for one percenters (167), a staggering 88 ahead of the next best Tiger.

Rance has played 89 games at Tigerland over five seasons.