Tom’s Tiger trade
TOM Lynch says playing at the MCG and learning from new teammate Jack Riewoldt are two of the most exciting opportunities that await him after joining Richmond.
The former Suns captain has signed a seven-year deal that wasn’t matched by Gold Coast, who will receive pick 3 at next month’s draft as compensation.
Lynch was taken on a tour of the Punt Road facilities yesterday by coach Damien Hardwick, hours after the restricted agent got the trade he was seeking.
“It’s obviously great to be closer to family but (it will) also be great to play on the MCG and play alongside Riewoldt. I’m sure I’ll learn a fair bit from him,” Lynch said.
Lynch, a two-time Suns club champion who kicked 131 goals for the club over eight years, was also chased by Collingwood and Hawthorn and the key forward said all three presented great opportunities.
“I felt there wasn’t any wrong club or choice to go with,” he said.
“From the outside looking in I think (Richmond) have something really special and it’s great to be part of that.”
From Gold Coast’s first seven selections in their inaugural draft in 2010, Richmond now have three of them on their list: Josh Caddy, Dion Prestia and Lynch.
Lynch said he was tracking well after having surgery on his knee and while he would be on a modified training program early in the preseason, he expected to be fit to play in Round 1 against Carlton.
“I’ll be a bit slow early days (in preseason). But I’ll pretty much start running once I start preseason. I’ll be a bit modified but after Christmas I should be ramping it up,” he said.
It was a busy day of trading for the Suns yesterday, losing Lynch but securing Tigers players Anthony Miles and Corey Ellis.
Gold Coast had an opportunity to match any bid on the restricted free agent Lynch, which would either bolster their power during trade negotiations or force the key forward to the draft.
But with the Suns, who already hold pick 2 in the draft, to receive pick 3 as compensation for the club’s former captain, Suns CEO Mark Evans said they were comfortable with letting Lynch go.
“While we would all much rather retain Tom, the mechanics of free agency and the level of compensation we receive would suggest this is the best course of action for us at this point in time,” Evans said.
He said Lynch would always be welcomed back at the Suns.
“Tom’s contribution to our club has been significant, as a two-time best and fairest winner, All-Australian and captain,” Evans added.
“We understand the current free agency system is part of the AFL landscape, we respect Tom’s decision and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
Richmond footy manager Neil Balme said Lynch was an exciting prospect who had a lot left to give to the game.
“We’re pleased to welcome Tom to our football club,” Balme said.