Alex Rance will remain at Richmond until the end of the 2019 season after signing a four-year deal this week.

Rance, 25, was set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, with his desire to hold off signing a new contract fuelling speculation about his future.

The All-Australian defender had been linked to a big money move to Brisbane and was also reported to be considering stepping away from the AFL for a year so he could travel overseas.

But the club announced on Saturday that the important back man would remain at Punt Road.

“Alex is obviously an integral part of our team, and were thrilled to have him re-commit to the club for a further four years,” Richmond general manager of football Dan Richardson said.

“He not only provides us with his onfield talents, but the care he has for the club and his teammates is just as important.

“At 25 years of age, we look forward to his continued improvement as he moves into the prime of his career.”

Rance has played 118 games since being drafted 18th overall at the 2007 draft and has developed into one of the most effective key defenders in the game.