A Lynch trade is on table
GOLD Coast haven’t ruled out trading Tom Lynch in a Patrick Dangerfield-style scenario after he confirmed he would return to Melbourne
The worst-kept secret in football became official when Lynch yesterday told Gold Coast officials in person, who immediately stripped him of the captaincy.
Suns chief executive Mark Evans confirmed the Gold Coast had been given a strong indication three weeks ago he would leave.
But Evans said last night they did not know he had met with Collingwood until Nathan Buckley’s comments last week.
Lynch now has 10 weeks to consider his destination, but it is understood getting to Collingwood has real appeal for the Suns forward.
He believes he has a chance to build alongside a young side, while Richmond could conceivably have won two premierships by October.
A $1 million-per-season contract of up to seven seasons could be heavily back-ended.
He has been paid $1 million a year at the Suns, so could accept $500,000 a season in his first two years then more when cap space becomes available.
Still, it is impossible to declare any club a firm favourite given he has so much time in which circumstances can
change. Lynch cannot make a firm decision on his future until October, when he will accept a contract from either Richmond, Collingwood or Hawthorn.
If the Suns fail to match a bid they will likely get pick three as free agency compensation, but could also trade him before an official free agency offer.
Geelong handed over picks nine, 28 and Dean Gore to get Patrick Dangerfield to Adelaide despite his free agency status and he has been a brilliant performer.
Asked on Macquarie Sports Radio last night if a trade for Lynch was a possibility, Evans said: “All options are open to us.”
“There is a lot to play out over the next 10 or 11 weeks.”