It’s yellow and Jack for departing Lynch
TOM Lynch is already dreaming about the silver service he will receive from his new Tiger teammates including superstar Dustin Martin as he targets a blockbuster Round 1 debut against Carlton next season.
And coach Damien Hardwick has told the former Gold Coast captain there is a crucial role for him helping share the key forward load with thee-time Coleman medallist Jack Riewoldt in 2019.
Lynch yesterday confirmed he had selected Richmond ahead of Collingwood and Hawthorn as his preferred new home.
Richmond will lodge the formal bid when free agency opens on Friday.
And his knee surgery is progressing well, putting the 199cm star spearhead on track to push for selection in the JLT Series and season-opener.
Lynch, 25, said he was buoyed by his conversations with Hardwick and the chance to be part of a push towards finals after eight fruitless years on the Gold Coast.
“He (Hardwick) just said he thinks Richmond will suit me,” Lynch said yesterday.
“They (Richmond) identified they need a second tall forward to help Jack (Riewoldt) out, so I’m really excited.
“It would be nice to hopefully play finals next year and look forward to that.
“I have never played finals before, so I think it’s not just next year, it’s the next whatever years, not just a one-year decision.”
It will mean sharing forward 50m duties with threetime Coleman medallist and nine-time leading goal kicker Riewoldt, and connect with premiership midfielders Martin, Trent Cotchin and Dion Prestia.
Lynch said the opportunity to play with the superstar Tigers and be closer to his Blairgowrie family was a strong drawcard in a tough decision.
“Obviously they’ve got a great midfield and it will be nice to get on the end of a few (kicks),” Lynch said. “It’s exciting to finally be out in the open (about it) and I’m looking forward to, once free agency starts, joining the Tigers.
“There was three great clubs (interested), and I had to pinch myself to be in such a privileged position with Collingwood, Hawthorn and Tigers (keen), so for me I didn’t think there was any wrong decision there.
“It was just what fits best and I’m pretty excited to join Richmond and it will be nice to play alongside Jack Riewoldt.”
And his posterior cruciate ligament injury should be fully recovered in time for Round 1 against the Blues.
“I’ll see the surgeon Friday and I should be back running within one month,” he said. “So it will take time, but I’m confident I will be no worries at all for the JLT and Round 1.”
Manager Robbie D’Orazio said Richmond was a snug fit for Lynch, in a move which had been more than one year in the making.
“I remember watching the prelim last year Richmond versus GWS and I thought Tom Lynch probably belongs out on this ground, and he has done everything he can for Gold Coast,” D’Orazio said.
“It was time for Tom to come home. We are really excited for Tom and I’m sure Tigers fans are too.”
I’M PRETTY EXCITED TO JOIN RICHMOND AND IT WILL BE NICE TO PLAY ALONGSIDE JACK RIEWOLDT. TOM LYNCH