Jehovah's Witnesses do play professional sport, but body contact and ruthless competitiveness are questionable, according to a senior elder.

Alex Rance's devotion to the Jehovah's Witness faith has been cited as a reason – though not the only one – why the Richmond defender is considering his football future at the age of just 25.

Alex Rance has begun to confide thoughts of retirement to teammates. Credit:Getty Images

The Age on Wednesday reported that while he is considered unlikely to walk away from the game, he was feeling drawn to a different life.

There was no indication he wanted to take up religious service full-time.