Parting of skipper no lynching for Suns

SUNS foundation director Graeme Downie says it won’t be the end of the world if Tom Lynch leaves the club because they are already there.

Downie said the club shouldn’t try to match any bid for free agent Lynch, who has been struggling with his own form.

He said the estimated $1.5 million Lynch will garner would be better spent securing established quality midfielders who can get the team — coming off 85 and 108-point loses to Geelong and GWS — going forward.

“If Tom Lynch wants to go, I’d let him go,” Downie said following Gold Coast’s 20.14 (134) to 4.2 (26) loss to the Giants at Spotless Stadium on Saturday.

“Their problem isn’t one player. If anyone thinks losing Tom Lynch will be the end of the world — well it’s the end of the world now. If you lose Lynch and pick up three good players in return, I think it’s a win for the club.

“His own performances have dropped off because he isn’t getting supply and it must be very discouraging for him.

“Just for the sake of enjoying his football, I think he would want to go somewhere else. There isn’t much chance he will stay.”

Sections of the Suns’ list, including some senior members, are already convinced their skipper will follow the likes of Gary Ablett, Jaeger O’Meara and Dion Prestia — a trio who once had Gold Coast’s midfield among the best in the AFL — out the door. Retention is at crisis levels at both ends of the team, with some of the youngest players wanting out despite most being on multi-year deals.