Mitch’s sledge may be costly

AN EXTRA level of spice has been added to the next LionsTigers showdown after Brisbane firebrand Mitch Robinson took aim at Richmond forward Tom Lynch earlier this week.

During an online gaming session, Robinson fired back at comments Lynch was the “greatest of all time” and brought into question the premiership winner’s football ability.

The AFL community has been left divided over the sledges, with former Hawthorn premiership great Campbell Brown believing the comments will only add fuel to Richmond’s fire.

It comes after Lynch was fined $2000 for striking Gold Coast Suns players Sam Collins and Jarrod Witts in the Tigers’ win on Monday night.

Lynch was also slapped with a fine in Round 10 after shoving Lions star Alex Witherden’s head into the ground.

The Tigers forward has copped criticism this season for his “cheap shots” and Robinson did not hold his feelings back this week.

“He went to a good team to get success, that’s what he did,” Robinson responded to comments during a live gaming session on Twitch.

“He went to a premiership team and thinks he’s that good.

“He just does my head in. He’s a w...er.”

The Lions have been made aware of his comments and are planning to speak to their star midfielder, however no sanction is set to be imposed.

Brown said the comments could come back to bite the Lions come finals time.

“These comments will dial up the pressure on a Lions side that hasn’t been able to handle it recently against the Tigers, an outfit that thrives under pressure,” Brown wrote for 7 Sport. “You simply don’t need to be giving Richmond of all teams any added motivation come finals time.

“They are a mature, experienced side and they’ve historically built throughout the season to peak and play their best football with the premiership up for grabs. And now they have been given just a little bit more incentive.”

Brown said taking aim at Lynch was not a fair sledge.

“There are some players you simply don’t want to poke and he (Lynch) is definitely one of them,” Brown wrote.

“He was deprived of finals football for the first eight years of his AFL career and is hellbent on making up for lost time.

“You only need to look at his performances in the finals last year to know he loves the big stage and thrives in the finals cauldron.”