You’d think that Richmond fans would be up and about beating the old enemy Carlton and high profile recruit Tom Lynch kicking a few goals. But most of them are not.
Five time All-Australian, Premiership player Alex Rance landed awkwardly on his right leg in the third quarter of last night’s Richmond v Carlton season opener and hobbled off the ground.
Alex Rance has been helped from the ground and is receiving treatment in the rooms.#AFLBluesTigers pic.twitter.com/lZPElxc6W2
— AFL (@AFL) March 21, 2019
It puts the highly fancied Tigers to go with a plan B for its tilt at a premiership. Despite the Tigers winning, it was reported that Richmond players were in tears as news that Rance had suffered a season-ending injury spread around the playing group. In his 200th game, Rance remained upbeat for the night, supporting his teammates from the bench and was still able have a laugh.
Hurt, but humour still intact. Dip the lid to Alex Rance #AFLBluesTigers pic.twitter.com/g7NwPNi46w
— Michael Willson (@MichaelCWillson) March 21, 2019
At the post-game press conference Richmond coach, Damien Hardwick addressed the situation with Rance and praised him for his attitude.
Damien Hardwick says it’s a suspected ACL for Alex Rance.#AFLBluesTigers pic.twitter.com/P2rWfsBqYH
— 7AFL (@7AFL) March 21, 2019
While the expected absence of Rance is going to be difficult for Richmond, Hardwick put things in perspective “But sides have shown us — and it’s littered with history — last year West Coast, (Nic) Naitanui goes down and they lost someone else midway through the year as well whose name escapes me (Andrew Gaff). “These things can be overcome. It’s disappointing to lose such a fantastic player but it also provides an opportunity for someone else to get some games under their best. We have to find a player.”
Round 1 of the AFL continues tonight with Collingwood hosting Geelong at the MCG.
Cronulla Sharks captain and everyone’s favourite bloke, Paul Gallen has announced this morning that he’s hanging up the boots after 19 seasons of top-grade Rugby League.
Speaking to the renowned, highly credible sports show Kyle and Jackie O on KIIS FM this morning, Gallen declared his intention to retire.
EXCLUSIVE: Paul Gallen announces retirement from NRL on @kyleandjackieo.
Hear the interview here >> https://t.co/XdQSYlW8EI pic.twitter.com/SDK1ph75Gn
— KIIS 1065 (@KIIS1065) March 21, 2019
“Yeah definitely retiring at the end of the year. I’ve really enjoyed where I’ve been and what I’ve done but I’m ready to retire. I’ve had enough of the rollercoaster, to be honest.
“I’m looking forward to the end of the year,” Gallen said.
“I do a bit in the media with Channel 9 and I enjoy that. I’ll stay involved in the game, whether it be with Cronulla or a club, with a mentor role or an assistant coach role At my age, four kids and a missus, it’s probably time to move on and try something else.”
Paul Gallen made his debut in 2001 and has played 327 games for the club including their drought-breaking premiership in 2016.
He also played 24 Origins for NSW and has been the captain along with 32 games for Australia. Gallen will equal ET’s club record of 328 games for the Sharkies this Saturday before they get rolled by the Neds Gold Coast Titans.
We look forward to bagging Gallen’s commentary via social media for many years to come.
A massive weekend of racing kicks off tonight with the William Reid stakes at the Valley. The Neds blog has it all covered.
The Profit Prophet @JaredTimms has started the day at the Albury Gold Cup and ended the night at the William Reid Stakes. Check out today’s racing tips right here.
— NedsAU (@NedsAus) March 21, 2019
Then it’s down to business on Saturday with the Golden Slipper.
The In-House Profit Prophet has set his sights across Saturday’s #GoldenSlipper at Rosehill. If the Coolmore Classic was a dartboard, then this is a roulette wheel when it comes to finding a winner!
— NedsAU (@NedsAus) March 20, 2019
Check out our blog for the best previews from our in-house profit prophet.
Happy punting!