RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick says he has "no doubts" defender Alex Rance will remain a Tiger beyond this year.

There had been speculation the All Australian defender, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent when his contract expires at season's end, has been contemplating retiring from the game.

But Hardwick said he was almost certain the 25-year-old would stay at Punt Road and resist the lure of free agency.

"I have no doubt Alex will remain in a Richmond jumper next year," Hardwick told Channel Seven on Monday night.

"We think we're in a good situation with Alex at the moment, the way he's playing is an outstanding brand of football.

"He's playing well for our jumper, he's very happy where he is and I've got no doubts that he'll be here next year."

Fremantle and the Brisbane Lions are believed to have expressed an interest in acquiring Rance's services.

Rance opted to defer contract talks with Richmond in January this year to concentrate on his on-field matters.