New recruit Tom Lynch got his first taste inside the AFL bubble when he was swamped by media in his first appearance in Richmond colours.
The former Gold Coast captain was taken aback by the interest after spending the past eight seasons away from the heartland.
So long he seemed to have temporarily forgotten the famous strip of his new club – referring to the colours as gold and black rather yellow and black.
Tigers fans are sure to forgive the key forward, who knocked back Collingwood and Hawthorn and took a large paycut to join the 2017 premiers on a seven-year deal still worth about $6.5 million.
“It’s very exciting to be officially a Tiger today and it’s nice the deal’s gone through and I can look forward to getting into training,” Lynch said.
Gold Coast confirmed on Monday they would not try to match the Tigers’ offer for the restricted free agent. The Suns will receive pick No.3 in the draft as compensation.
Lynch, who has moved in next door to Punt Road Oval, said he could already feel the difference from the Suns headquarters.
“There’s a fair few more media here for starters,” said the 25-year-old, who grew up in Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula.
“Dimma (coach Damien Hardwick) just showed me around for the first time – there’s black and gold everywhere, yellow and black sorry – so it’s great.”
Lynch said he was looking forward to renewing his friendship with former Suns teammates Josh Caddy and Dion Prestia and also learning from Tigers’ veteran key forward Jack Riewoldt.
“From the outside looking in, Richmond have something very special so it’s great to be a part of it,” he said.
“I know we’re in a footy-mad state and it’s great to be part of it.”
Lynch underwent knee surgery in July, which prematurely ended his season but he believed he would be right for round one against Carlton and couldn’t wait to run out on to a packed MCG.
“The knee’s going well and I had a good result with the surgeon the other day – I’m probably a month away from running but I think I will be well and truly right to go for round one,” he said.
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