Lynch’s record decision

chance to match rival offers but Alastair Lynch, a triple premiership Brisbane player, said Gold Coast won’t be able to compete.

Lynch tipped the money his namesake is offered would monster any deal prior, including Dustin Martin’s recent $8 million, seven-year contract with Richmond and Lance Franklin’s $10 million, nineyear signing with Sydney.

“(Gold Coast) are not going to be able to match what is going to come from other clubs,” Lynch said.

“If Tom Lynch is fit and well halfway through next season and not signed by the Gold Coast Suns then he will have the biggest offer ever.”

Money is only part of the problem for Gold Coast who Lynch said had to show the 2016 All-Australian and twotime club champion that he could enjoy genuine success.

“Players want to be involved in successful organisations,” Lynch said.

“The club needs to show to the likes of Tom Lynch – and across the board – that this is a club that is set up to be very successful in the coming year.

“If they are in contention then Tom Lynch will be more than happy to stay. If they continue to go down the path where the season is over well before Round 23, that’s when it becomes attractive when other clubs come knocking.

“Rival clubs can sell the story about returning back to Victoria and playing in front of big crowds in Melbourne. That is the challenge that the Gold Coast Suns have.”

Martin knocked back an extra $2 million from Kangaroos to stay at finals-bound Richmond. Gold Coast are yet to show they are on the up.

Lynch said Gold Coast’s top priority – and their biggest challenge – in 2018 had to be about retaining their leader.

“If Tom Lynch left the Gold Coast Suns, it’s a long way back,” Lynch said. “It’s an enormous trip back.”

Tom Lynch kicked 44 goals this year, when he struggled to find consistency and battled injury but Alastair tipped he would rediscover his best.