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Alex Rance in tears in devastating moment after AFL grand final triumph

sam goodwin
Sports Editor

Alex Rance has broken down in tears in a heartbreaking moment after Richmond’s triumph in the AFL grand final.

One of Richmond’s best players and arguably the best defender in the AFL, Rance suffered a devastating knee injury back in Round 1.

‘JUST EMBARRASSING’: AFL world in shock over grand final 'massacre'

His season was ended before it began, robbing the Tigers talisman of another premiership.

As Rance celebrated with his teammates on the MCG after the grand final, he couldn’t help but shed tears over what might have been.

When Rance went down in the round-one win over Carlton, the popular opinion was that eventually it would catch up with the Tigers.

Surely - no matter how well they covered his loss - at some point late in the season his absence would bite them.

They're still waiting.

Alex Rance, pictured here in tears after the AFL grand final.
Alex Rance was in tears after the game. Image: AFL

Richmond make history in grand final ‘massacre’

Richmond have confirmed their new dynasty, crushing GWS by 89 points in the most-lopsided AFL grand final in 12 years.

The 17.12 (114) to 3.7 (25) thrashing on Saturday at the MCG gives the Tigers their second flag in three years and confirms coach Damien Hardwick's men as the latest AFL pacesetters.

Fittingly, Maureen Hafey presented the premiership cup to Hardwick and captain Trent Cotchin.

Her late husband, the legendary Tom Hafey, coached Richmond to their last dynasty that featured the 1967, '69 and 73-74 premierships.

It is Richmond's 12th flag, drawing them level with Melbourne in equal-fifth place.

The Tigers, pictured here celebrating their grand final triumph.
The Tigers celebrate after defeating the Giants. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

It is the biggest grand final thrashing since Geelong's record 119-point win in 2007 over Port Adelaide.

Dustin Martin shone with four goals and won his second Norm Smith Medal as best afield.

Marlion Pickett, the story of the past two days since his debut was announced, also starred on the game's biggest stage.

The 27-year-old father of four, who did jail time as a teenager and was recruited four months ago, impressed as he became only the sixth player in AFL history to debut in a grand final.

with AAP