RICHMOND defender Alex Rance says he won't change the way he plays despite being sanctioned for staging in round 11.

Rance was fined $1000 after playing for a free kick when bumped by Essendon's Shaun McKernan in the Tigers' Dreamtime at the 'G win.

The incident provoked competition-wide scrutiny of the premiership defender, with Kane Cornes and Wayne Carey among the big names to question his actions.

"I think I'll just keep playing my way," Rance told AFL.com.au.

"It happened, I accepted the sanction and moved on."

Coach Damien Hardwick strongly defended his player after he played for the free kick, and Rance was grateful for the internal support.

"One of the things I do love the most, is that he's proud of us and he'll always protect us," Rance said.

"It's the same with Trent (Cotchin), it's the same with Brendon Gale, our three main leaders."

On AFL.com.au's Footy Feed on Thursday nght, Rance discusses:

- The backlash to his staging
- Dustin Martin's return to face Geelong
- Tigers' expectations this season
- Eddie Betts' latest racial vilification
- His new children's book, Tigers' Roar

Podcast: Are the Magpies flag contenders?

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