SLIPPING AWAY FROM THE SUNS
TOM Lynch says his contract was the furthest thing from his mind after watching another of the club’s former stars help thrash the Suns.
The foundation Sun and current co-captain will make the biggest decision of his AFL career this year as he comes out of contract as a free agent.
Lynch has given his all to the Suns during his eight years at the club and Saturday’s 17.19 (121) to 4.12 (36) loss to Geelong was one of many thrashings he has been part of.
Watching former teammate Gary Ablett winning with the Cats was another reminder of what he may sacrifice short term if he decides to remain in Queensland.
Lynch has seen former teammates and friends Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy win a premiership with Richmond while Zac Smith has played finals for Geelong after leaving the Suns.
A clear improvement in performances is what Lynch is looking for in order to rebuff the likes of Hawthorn and Richmond to recommit to the Gold Coast.
Asked if his future weighs more on him in the heavy defeats, a disappointed Lynch said it was the furthest thing on his mind as he looks to ensure the side finds a way to break a losing run that has now extended to five games.
“I’m not thinking about that right now,” Lynch said.
“We are all hurting right now and pretty disappointed so (the contract) is the furthest thing from my mind.”
The club have had informal discussions with Lynch and his manager Paul Connors but the key forward said last week he was happy to push back a decision
until the end of the season.
Lynch didn’t hold back in his analysis of the club’s 85point loss to Geelong in front 17,490 spectators at Metricon Stadium.
“It was clearly disappointing,” Lynch said.
“In front of our home crowd it was disappointing to roll out that performance.
“The first quarter was all right, then we fell away. The second quarter was s--- really. We let ourselves down, let the footy club and the fans down.
“It wasn’t up to standard and it’s not what we want to be known as or stand for.
“We were all excited to be back home and had a good build-up but we didn’t carry it out on the park.”
The Round 11 game was Lynch’s first back after missing three with a knee injury and the skipper said his body felt good going in to this week’s clash with Greater Western Sydney.
“We have shown we can do it in patches but it’s about sustaining that.”