Lynch and Richmond counter the critics

RICHMOND spearhead Tom Lynch says the conga line of doubters forgot one thing.

From Kebabgate to Gropegate and an early-season form slump, the Tigers’ bid for a third flag in four years appeared to have gone off the rails.

Wayne Carey was the first to call it in the second week of July.

“Despite being just five rounds in, I’m prepared to write the Tigers off as genuine premiership contenders,” the Kangaroos great declared.

“I just can’t help but feel the 2020 season might be a mountain too high for them.”

Journalist Caroline Wilson went next, suggesting Richmond was “lacking leadership” in the Queensland hubs.

“The Tigers of this bleak 2020 winter seem negative, unprepared, unwilling to bring their t r a d e m a r k pressure,” Wilson said.

Even on the eve of last week’s preliminary finals, the AFL’S Damian Barrett trumpeted that the “Tigers will be eliminated … the era’s finished”.

But Lynch (pictured) said the shutdown and subsequent evacuation from Victoria had rekindled the club’s acclaimed sense of “connection”.

“We know our strength as a group is how well we get on and how much we care for each other,” Lynch said.

“The hub has been great for us – to get away and spend so much time with each other.”

Lynch scoffed at claims his club lacked leadership. “Definitely not. We have got amazing leadership,” he said.

The blowtorch has since turned on to Lynch thanks to a series of inglorious on-field incidents. Brisbane’s Mitch Robinson called him a “wanker”, Port Adelaide’s Hamish Hartlett declared that “plenty of people” wanted to see his season end, while a Power fan chucked a cup of Bundy and coke at him in Adelaide.

“Nothing will surprise me anymore this year – it’s been a strange year for everyone,” Lynch said.