I’m ready for some rough stuff: Lynch
He’s the Suns’ all-time leading goalkicker but even Tom Lynch isn’t expecting too many cheers when he runs out for Richmond today, as Tom Boswell writes.
FORMER Suns captain Tom Lynch has issued an open invitation to any Gold Coast player looking to rough him up when he returns to Metricon Stadium, saying he’ll be ready for any untoward treatment.
Following his defection to Richmond as a free agent at the end of last year, Lynch will become the second exSuns captain to make the trip to his former home today.
Gary Ablett was the first former skipper to put the Suns to the sword in 2018 when he marked his return with a 37 disposal, three-goal masterclass and Gold Coast will be eager to avoid Lynch having the same impact.
Both coaches of the two teams have conceded they are unsure how the players will react to Lynch but the man himself said he was prepared for anything.
“I’ll be ready for it,” Lynch said. “I’m not too sure (what the reaction will be) to be honest. I’m still close with a few of the boys up there. I’m not sure what the crowd will do. It will be interesting.
“I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited to get back and play against some old teammates.
“It will be different running out the other tunnel but it will be good.”
Lynch is no stranger to finding himself in physical battles at Metricon. He would often be found in the middle of melees that broke out.
Gold Coast have had a series of sweeping changes since Lynch’s exit, with new players and coaches arriving.
The 26-year-old spent eight years training with and playing alongside defenders Rory Thompson and Steven May but with the former injured and the latter now at the Demons, Lynch will likely face recruit Jack Hombsch in front of goal.
Lynch’s exit was surrounding in controversy with a number of players reportedly firing some parting shots in backroom meetings.
But there is no denying Lynch remains one of the club’s biggest influences, winning two club champion awards and booting 254 goals.
Gold Coast were starting another rebuild but Lynch had already spearheaded two and the large crowds and potential of immediate success with Richmond lured him back home to Victoria.
“It was a tough time,” Lynch said.
“I spent eight years at Gold Coast and I loved my time there. I had some great relationships. It was a tough decision to move on but I was happy with my decision.
“It feels like a long time ago now but it’s only been about eight months. With the way footy works you seem to move on pretty quickly.”
I’LL BE READY FOR IT. I’M NOT TOO SURE (WHAT THE REACTION WILL BE).
EX-SUNS SKIPPER TOM LYNCH