TOM’S TIME
Patient Suns happy to wait as Lynch mulls over future
GOLD Coast are happy to play the waiting game as star forward Tom Lynch decides if he will recommit to the Suns.
Lynch is out of contract at the end of 2018 and is set to become one of the most soughtafter free agents in the AFL.
Speaking at Gold Coast’s official announcement of new major sponsor Cover-More, Lynch said he wasn’t going to put a deadline on when he’d inform the club of his decision.
“I haven’t set any time on that,” Lynch said just days into his preseason.
“I just want to everyday improve the footy club and see where we are going because I’m excited about the journey ahead.
“From what I have seen the last couple of days I have been very impressed with where we are heading.
“Free agency is part of the game now, we all need to get used to it. I’m just really excited about getting involved. I’ve been so impressed by (new coach) Stuey (Dew) so far.”
Dew said he was comfortable with his prized key forward taking his time and was confident it wouldn’t compromise his 2018 performances.
“What I am sure of is that he’s invested for this season,” Dew said.
“That’s all I need to know and I’ve spent a lot of time with him in the last six weeks, trying to recruit players and meet new players so that tells you what kind of character he is and where his mindset is at the moment.”
Lynch’s manager Robbie D’Orazio recently stated the Suns captain would wait to see how the club was progressing in 2018 before making a call.
In terms of what the 25year-old wants to see for himself, Lynch is after success.
“I want to see the Gold Coast Suns succeed, that’s my first priority and only priority to be honest,” Lynch said.
“Along with (Steven May) and the rest of group, we’re really keen to push ourselves up the ladder and become a successful club,” Lynch said.
“Defensive footy is one area we need to improve, once we get going offensively we’re OK, so that’s a major focus.”
May was the centre of months of speculation before he re-signed with the Suns in July for a further two years.
The key defender and cocaptain said he was confident Lynch’s situation wouldn’t become a distraction.
“We’re 20 days into the last year of his contract, he’s got plenty of time,” May said.
“He’s got his reasons but one that stands out is the team success. I’m committed to going in the right direction and he’s definitely 100 per cent in.”