'Alex is another warrior': Houli's faith in RanceJennifer Phelan
afl.com.au
December 9, 2014BACHAR Houli believes Richmond's All Australian defender Alex Rance will follow captain Trent Cotchin's lead and reject the lure of free agency.
Cotchin, 24, set his course to be a one-club player last week when he signed a five-year contract extension with the Tigers.
He and Rance were the highest-profile players from Punt Road set to come out of contract at the end of next season and potentially enter the free agency market.
While Rance is yet to re-sign, Houli believes the West Australian will commit and continue to be a part of an emerging Tigers' list.
"I've got faith in him (Rance) that he'll stay. You don't want to see anyone leave, especially good players and good people," Houli told AFL.com.au this week.
"That's what our club is built on; great characters. That was Dimma's (coach Damien Hardwick) philosophy from day one.
"Alex is another warrior who loves the club, loves success and being a part of that group, especially a young group growing up at Tigerland."
Rance last signed a deal back in June 2013, taking him through to the end of next season.
While the two-year agreement has left Rance open to free agency approaches in less than 12 months' time, Houli says there is no doubt the defender loves being at Punt Road.
"I don't know what the reasons are for him (Rance) not committing to the club longer than what he did but he knows what's best for him,” he said.
"But he just loves being at the club, just like Trent, and that's what you want – you want guys who want to be there and see success."
Houli said Cotchin’s re-signing had given the players a lift last week when they endured a tough seven-day pre-season training camp in Townsville.
"Being very close mates with Trent, I'm rapt to see him sign on for another five years," he said.
"It's just great to see legends of the club, leaders of a great football club remain and have so much belief in the club.
"He does – he has so much belief and he thinks we have something special coming up."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-12-09/alex-is-another-warrior