Patient Lynch starts to find his mark again
GOLD Coast co-captain and forward Tom Lynch knew his return to form would come if he was patient and that injuries were not to blame for his decreased influence.
Lynch broke the shackles from a tough few weeks to kick five goals in Gold Coast’s 18.10 (118) to 14.15 (99) win over North Melbourne on Saturday night at Metricon Stadium and rediscover some his best football.
The 24-year-old was kept goalless in the previous two games against Carlton and St Kilda in what was his first major form slump since establishing himself as one of the premier forwards in the AFL.
It is the first time since his second season in 2012 that Lynch hasn’t kicked a goal in four games.
Suns coach Rodney Eade suggested a lack of movement and knocks suffered in previous games could have been behind Lynch’s decline but the key forward said it was only the latter that had hindered his performances.
“I have had no injuries,” Lynch said.
“Rocket said my movement wasn’t where it should have been and I got anchored down a bit so I have been concentrating on that.”
It was a frustrating period but he was confident he would come through the other side if he continued to bring the effort and increase the intensity around the other areas of the ground.
Lynch said he still wasn’t back to his best but that his performance against the Kangaroos, which also included 20 disposals and eight marks, was a step in the right direction.
“I got a couple of easy goals (on Saturday) which helps you out,” Lynch said.
“I think I just had to work my way back and it wasn’t a complete game at all so I think I have more to go.”
Lynch said the win was a perfect way to celebrate Gary Ablett’s 300th and fellow cocaptain Steven May’s 100th games but admitted securing the four points was the most important thing for the club.