The dominant display of key Richmond defender, Alex Rance, in yesterday’s 27-point victory over Fremantle at the MCG, drew high praise from his coach, Damien Hardwick.

Rance had 30 disposals, a game-high 16 marks, and repeatedly repelled attacking thrusts by the Dockers.

“I thought he was great,” Hardwick said.

“His last 10-11 weeks have been outstanding.

“There’s no doubt the addition of Troy Chaplin down there makes him a better player, and that’s the reason we brought ‘Chappy’ in.

“He (Rance) is very, very good at winning the ball back off opposition.

“Every contest he goes to is life or death, and that’s the reason we love the way he plays.

“He’s going to make some mistakes along the way . . . but he gives absolutely everything on the field, and that’s why we love him as a player.”

Rance, 23, made his senior league debut for Richmond in 2009 and has played 82 games.

He had a career-high 34 disposals in Round 2, 2012 against Collingwood at the MCG.