I don’t have a theory but I do have a few questions which no one seems to have any idea about answering which fuels defensive posters from those who don’t want to think we might have a slightly selfish footballer in our midst.
I sincerely hope we do have a slightly selfish footballer in our midst ! Alex Rance has given his all to Richmond for the last 12 years and he needs a break. He almost walked away from the game previously and we as supporters have been privileged to see him play on until now. Reading Konrad Marshall's new book clearly gives an indication of just how tough this season has been for Rance. I posted the following on a different forum:
Because it's seen as an early retirement I think people find it much harder to accept. What we all (mostly) forget is that to a full time professional AFL footballer this is their job, they are employees, Richmond/AFL the employer, the club is their workplace, their teammates are work colleagues, and it is an abnormal working environment which they enter into usually from 18 years of age. Thankfully Richmond are turning the tide and setting the new standard by bringing the fun back into the game for many of the players. However for most footy fans our viewpoint is coloured by what we want for our team without fully considering what is in the best interest of the individual players. Alex Rance has always had diverse interests away from football, creating balance between all interests was becoming harder and harder for him to maintain and as mentioned in Konrad Marshall's new book Stronger & Bolder when he asked Alex about other pure joyful moments throughout the season, his response was:
"Not really. It's been a hard year. I've put on a brave face and gone about my business and tried to look a short distance in front of me - do this session well, do something to make someone better, do something to make people laugh - but it has been a real grind. I'm really tired. I'm really looking forward to going away. Because when you have to manufacture that enthusiasm, it does exhaust you". (page 135)
He goes on to say if he didn't feel genuinely cared for at the club it would be a lot harder. The way I see it long service leave is way overdue, and when you constantly give that much of yourself you absolutely have to take time out to recharge, to re-energise, and to re-balance. It's imperative for long term health, both physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
