Star key defender Alex Rance’s importance to the Richmond team was further highlighted in last night’s match against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, when the Power took the unusual approach of assigning tall utility Jackson Trengove the task of tagging him.

It was a move that worked extremely well in the first half, with Trengove curbing Rance’s influence by not allowing the triple All-Australian representative any space, and picking up nine disposals himself, including a goal.

Rance clearly was frustrated with Trengove’s close checking tactics during the opening half, which resulted in him being well below his best.

After half-time, however, it was a different story altogether, with Rance rising superbly to the challenge and playing a major role in the Tigers running away to record a stirring 13-point victory.

He picked up 12 disposals in the second half to finish with 19 for the match, including a team-high nine intercepts, with six tackles and 319 metres gained, while Trengove had just two more touches.

In a post-match interview with ‘Fox Footy’, Rance spoke honestly about his initial struggle to overcome the tight tag, and how he eventually managed to come out on top.

“It was a real battle for me,” Rance said.

“It’s the first time I’ve really had to deal with a hard run-with kind of role like that. 

“He (Trengove) played it to perfection.  He really got into my head and annoyed me and got some good rewards for it . . .

“It probably goes back to just trusting the other blokes (in defence) that they can win their battles, and I’ve just got to win mine and away we go.  And it seemed to work out.”