Richmond premiership player Alex Rance is lacing up his boots to play for Campbells Creek in central Victoria this weekend as part of an initiative by former AFL players to support struggling country clubs.
Campbells Creek was one of eight football clubs chosen from 500 applications. The struggling club made its return at the start of the season to the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League after a year's recess.
It is hoped the 32-year-old's appearance will provide a boost for the bottom-of-the-ladder Magpies who will come up against third-placed Maldon in a home game at 2:35pm on Saturday.
"Ideally defence is where I'm most comfortable, but if I'm running out of juice, I might have to go up forward and just have a rest in the goal square.
"I don't want to come in though and displace too many people. I want the young kids to enjoy playing as well and not feel they're being pushed out of a spot."
Rance will be heading into the territory of former teammate Dustin Martin, whose love of football started at the club where he was a junior player.
"I've got a few friends in that area, so there are a few good names that have come from the area," Rance said.
"The main thing is getting the enjoyment back into life after a stressful couple of years."
Keen to mentor
Rance reckons he will need the support of his new teammates.
"I was never really a talented individual player; I always found I played better in a system and a team. I will try and get a system going and get other guys into the game," he said.
And Rance is certain the Campbells Creek attire will suit him.
"As a junior I played for a black-and-white team, so I'm looking forward to getting back to the grassroots in the black and white again," he explained.
"And looking forward to having a pie and a beer after the game with the Campbells Creek crew."
