Losing a player as special as Gary Ablett is always a blow, but by Gold Coast forward Tom Lynch’s admission, it’s not a scenario that unusual for the AFL club.
Ablett is poised to undergo surgery on his reconstructed left shoulder after re-injuring it during last weekend’s win over Brisbane.
The Suns’ skipper will sit out the rest of the season, as will experienced midfielder Michael Rischitelli, who ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the same game.
It’s the latest in a long line of injury concerns for the Suns.
Lynch says the solution is simply for him and fellow vice-captains Steven May and Dion Prestia to take on extra responsibility.
“Dion, `Maysie’ and myself as vice-captains have got to step up now without `Gaz’ or `Risch’ out there,” he said.
“We’re excited about the challenge. We’ll have Matt Rosa coming back over the next few weeks as well so he’s gonna help us in that space.
“We’re really looking forward to the challenge and really driving the standards.”
The Suns’ injury concerns have also created opportunity.
Lynch says none have risen to the standard better than tall forward Peter Wright.
The 19-year-old backed up his Rising Star nominated performance against St Kilda with a career-best five-goal display against the Lions.
Wright’s rise means in him, Lynch and Sam Day the Suns boast a potent trio of tall forwards.
“He’s going along really well as a second year player and he’s great, really keen to learn and improve,” Lynch said.
“We’re really excited about his future.”
Mike Huber
Roar Pro
I take your point about Abletts longevity however, I think the three other footballers mentioned are better all round players .
Gecko
Guest
Mike you've mentioned some great midfielders but none performed at such a consistently high standard over an eight year period, without getting injured, like Gary Jnr did up to late 2014. And Gary Snr doesn't even come close to that level of consistency. Moreover, Fyfe and Dangerfield would only each have played fewer than 100 games as TAGGED players. Gary Jnr has played around 200 as a TAGGED player. If a recruiter could choose between a 20-yr old Gary Jnr, Fyfe, Dangerfield or Pendlebury, they'd recruit Ablett because he'd provide a decade of unrelenting quality.
Mike Huber
Roar Pro
Can't wait for this bloke to retire. Clearly the most over rated footballer of the last 20 years . If it wasn't for his surname he undoubtedly would not of received the adulation and over exposure he has garnished his whole career. Fans, commentators , umpires and even dignitaries alike , just can't distinguish between the unconscious mind (past memories) and the reborn imposter running around under the guise of Junior . Gary Snr was a freak of a player and categorically the most skilled player of all time , but junior is not in the same class - not even close . What we have folks is a self fullfilling prophecy , whereby Gary junior reaps and harvests praise and attention in light of his superior fathers football reputation and legend . Some people just can't let go of the past .......... Nat Fyfe , Patrick Dangerfield and Scott Pendulbury are all considerable better footballers . Each of these players have a better set of skills and each one has a particular strength far better than Gary juniors . Fyfe has the seminal physique and strength , Dangerfield the blistering pace and long kicks , Pendlebury the magic vision and hands. Gary you are a very good player , but considerably overrated as Geelong proved when they won the flag following your departure to the Gold Coast . In all truth your father had more ability in his non preferred playing side. As your career comes to an end it will be interesting to see how others in the game rate you .