Lynch pulls pin on season
GOLD Coast Suns captain Tom Lynch says he will make a decision on his playing future once he has seasonending knee surgery.
Lynch has made the decision to go under the knife after succumbing to a posterior cruciate ligament injury he has managed throughout the bulk of the 2018 AFL season.
The 25-year-old key forward missed four matches earlier in the season and had been managing the injury during the year.
But medical staff have now advised Lynch, a free agent who has the likes of Richmond and Hawthorn chasing his signature, surgery would be the best option.
Lynch said he was frustrated that the injury would end his 2018 season.
“It’s a really disappointing to know that I’m going to have to have surgery and not play out the season,” Lynch said.
“I’ve been doing all I can to rehab the injury without requiring surgery.
“We’ve been assessing my knee weekly and the latest advice recommends surgery and I’ll get that done as soon as possible.”
Lynch is one of four changes to the Suns side facing Collingwood at Metricon Stadium tomorrow.
Sam Day (shoulder), Jack Leslie (omitted) and Callum Ah Chee (personal) will all miss the Round 15 game and will be replaced by Steven May, Rory Thompson, Brayden Crossley and debutant Wil Powell.
Lynch insisted he had not yet made a decision on whether he would re-sign at the Suns or shift to a new club, declaring he would sit down with his manager after undergoing surgery.
“Obviously there is going to be commentary around my contract with the news of me being ruled out for the rest of the season, I’m realistic to understand that,” Lynch said.
“Post-surgery I’m sure the time will come where I’ll sit down with my manager and work through what the best option going forward is.
“Clearly, I’ve got a decision to make on my future, but the reality is I haven’t made that decision.”
Suns football manager Jon Haines said it was disappointing news for Lynch.
“Tom has displayed terrific leadership and great character to manage the issue to this point,” he said.