Suns ’won’t rush Lynch’
THE Gold Coast Suns have rubbished claims they have sought an early answer from Tom Lynch regarding his future as they await the co-captain’s decision.
Speculation surrounding the injured key forward’s future is hitting fever pitch with only eight games of the regular season left to play.
A Gold Coast insider slammed reports that Suns list manager Craig Cameron had asked Lynch, a restricted free agent linked to Collingwood, Hawthorn and Richmond, for an early answer regarding his decision last week.
A statement provided by the Suns read: “Our view continues to be that Tom has always proved himself to be a decent and honest person from a quality family.
“Given the person that he is, and given that he is our captain, when he makes up his mind we know that he would tell us.”
Lynch’s manager Robbie D’Orazio, from Connors Sports, has also said his client had not made a call on his future.
If Lynch opts to leave, Gold Coast will have the opportunity to match any rival offer and if the 199cm goal kicker still wants out then he will have to enter the draft.
The 25-year-old hails from the Victorian coastal town of Sorrento and became one of Gold Coast’s inaugural players when he was chosen with pick 11 of the
2010 draft.
Lynch has gone on to play 131 games for the club and has co-captained the side with Suns defender Steven May since the start of 2011.
Should Lynch exit, Peter Wright and Sam Day would be their remaining tall forward options. Both are signed until the end of 2019.
A knee injury ended Lynch’s season after the club’s Round 14 loss to Hawthorn with the forward opting to have surgery following advice from specialists.
GIVEN THE PERSON THAT HE IS, AND GIVEN THAT HE IS OUR CAPTAIN, WHEN HE MAKES UP HIS MIND WE KNOW THAT HE WOULD TELL US. SUNS STATEMENT
Lynch said his decision would be centred around the progression of the Suns leading into a season but after winning three of their first five games, Gold Coast have not recorded a victory since.
Some of Gold Coast’s best talent including Jaeger O’Meara, Dion Prestia and Gary Ablett, have left the club in the past two seasons and the success of the side going forward could hinge on Lynch’s decision.
May, Jack Martin, Dave Swallow are among the other inaugural players who are all off contract next season.