Player, top picks nominated as Tom’s return
TWO first-round draft picks and a player would be a fair trade for Gold Coast key forward Tom Lynch, according to Jonathan Brown.
Brown likened Lynch to Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield, who was traded from Adelaide to Geelong for picks nine and 28 as well as midfielder Dean Gore in 2015, labelling the Suns big man a rare beast who came at a price.
“It has to be two first-round picks and a player,” Brown said.
“Look at Dangerfield, he went for the same pretty much. Tom Lynch is a rare beast because he is an All-Australian key position forward and they are hard to find so he has to be at least worth that.”
Brown said the player involved in the trade would ideally be between the age of 21-25 who could add something to the Suns list straight away.
Lynch will leave a void in Gold Coast’s forward line but Brown said securing more quality midfielders had to be the club’s priority while Peter Wright and Sam Day take on the added responsibility in front of goal.
“They need midfielders, that has to be the first focus,” Brown said. “We know (David) Swallow is good and I think the likes of (Brayden) Fiorini and (Ben) Ainsworth will be.
“The bottom line is they have to bolster the midfield because that keeps you competitive while your key position players are developing.
“Whether that is through the draft or through matureage players, it has to be done.
“The club needs some mature-age players from good club cultures and players who have been involved in success.”
Gold Coast could lose Michael Barlow, Matt Rosa and Michael Rischitelli for 2019.