RICHMOND premiership defender Alex Rance has signed a new contract that locks him in as a Tiger until at least the end of 2021.

The 28-year-old will now notch up at least 14 seasons in the yellow and black, after joining the club as a priority draft selection in 2007.

"It's amazing, you talk very much about the connection that we have, and the fun that we have at this football club, and never have I spent a time in my life where I've enjoyed work so much," Rance told the club's website.

"We enjoy each other's company on and off the field, and to be able to go out and play in front of so many people is a pretty amazing privilege for us to have."

Rance considered giving the game away entirely when he was 25 as he weighed up the impact it was having on his family and beliefs as a Jehovah's Witness.

But, he returned in 2016 and was elevated to the leadership group before running second in the club's best and fairest and earning his third All Australian honour. 

Last year, he was named vice-captain along with Jack Riewoldt, plus All Australian captain in the Tigers' premiership season.

"Alex is first and foremost a wonderful person and leader at our football club, and an incredibly talented and competitive player too," football manager Neil Balme said.

"We're so pleased to have a person of his character at Richmond, who cares so much for his teammates, and is great support for Trent, along with Jack in leading our playing group."

The defender has played 190 games since his 2009 debut and is on track to reach his 200th-game milestone during the finals if the Tigers progress.