It speaks volumes for Alex Rance’s strength of character that he was able to overcome a shaky start to the 2013 season and play such a pivotal role in Richmond’s drive to finals action.

The low point for Rance was the Round 4 clash with Collingwood, when big key forward Travis Cloke got hold of him and booted seven goals.

Slowly, but surely after that, however, the determined Tiger key defender turned his fortunes around.

By season’s end, he was ranked No. 3 in the competition for intercept possessions, No. 8 at Richmond for total disposals, No. 1 at the Club for total marks, No. 1 for rebound-50s, and No. 1 for one-percenters.

Rance also finished a commendable sixth in the 2013 Jack Dyer Medal.

The 24-year-old, who has played 89 games in five seasons at Tigerland, admits he’s continuing to strive for consistency.

“I think it just comes with maturity and the mental side of the game, which is obviously one of the hardest things to master.  Once I can master that, I think I’ll be in for quite a handy little season,” Rance said.

The arrival at Richmonds of experienced key defender Troy Chaplin late last year, was an important factor in alleviating some of the pressure on Rance deep in defence.

“It’s been good in terms of flexibility, more so mentally than physically,” Rance said.

“I was still playing the same amount of game time, but just if I needed a break, he was always there to give me a chop out for a while . . .”

The pain of Richmond’s 2013 elimination final loss to Carlton, in front of a massive crowd of nearly 95,000, still gnaws away at Rance, but he’ll use it as an added spur for next season.

“It’s definitely a game that will burn in my guts for a long time,” Rance said.

“But for the future, when we are going to be a fantastic side, playing in front of 90-100,000 for all our finals, it’s something that’ll get us through.  It’ll be the thing that will make us want to be there.”