Richmond’s star key defender Alex Rance has picked up where he left off last season . . .

Rance, who won his inaugural Jack Dyer Medal in 2015, and also gained All-Australian selection for the second successive year, played a major role in the Tigers’ hard-fought victory over Carlton in the opening round.

He finished the match with 20 disposals, seven marks and four tackles in another top-class display across the backline.

“He was outstanding,” Richmond coach Damien Hardwick told ‘ABC Grandstand’.

“There’s a reason he’s been All Australian the last two years . . . his ability to not only compete, but win the ball back.

“Possession-gains, I think he had 10 once again on the night.  And then, he also set up our offense.

“So, he’s an incredible player . . . probably the best full-back since (Matthew) Scarlett, I think, and we’re really lucky to have him. 

“We look forward to him continuing to get better and better again, because, every year, he seems to add another string to his bow . . .”