Far from upsetting the apple cart, Tom Lynch’s Richmond teammates speak glowingly of what he has brought to the AFL club.
Having never played finals in eight seasons at Gold Coast, Lynch – along with partner in crime Jack Riewoldt – looms as a potentially dominant force this September.
The 199cm forward has well and truly hit his straps over the past month, booting 17 goals from his past five games and looking every part the star recruit he was billed as when he arrived at Punt Road on a lucrative deal last off-season.
While commentators have lauded his recent form, club leaders were impressed from the start with the 26-year-old’s workrate, hunger and willingness to adapt to Richmond’s system.
A highly-talented key forward in his prime, Lynch was never going to come cheap, and vice-captain Alex Rance openly questioned as early as last May whether the Tigers ran the risk of “upsetting the apple cart” by splashing out on the free agent.
Veteran utility Shane Edwards says in reality, Lynch fitted in seamlessly and quickly won the respect of his teammates.
“Any time you’ve got a chance to add someone like Tom Lynch to your team, you take it every day of the week,” Edwards told AAP.
“It’s kind of funny, seeing all the external noise from the media saying that he had a slow start. Really, he was just without Jack (Riewoldt), in a new system with no pre-season. And he was providing so many ground-balls for our small forwards.
“We’re constantly reassuring him in meetings and stuff how important and how crucial he’s playing. It’s really good to see him get some reward on the end of it.”
Perhaps the happiest surprise for the Tigers so far has been Lynch’s durability.
Only two Richmond players have not missed a game this season – Dion Prestia is one and Lynch, who had knee surgery during the off-season, is the other.
“I think if you’d said in early-January that he’d be one of (two) players to play every game so far, the medical staff would tell you you’re pretty silly,” Tigers defender Nick Vlastuin said.
“His continuity’s been amazing.
“I didn’t know Lynchy was so good on the ground either until the last couple of weeks. It’s been pretty wet and he’s been super.
“Now with Jack back as well, it kind of throws another dynamic out there.”
RT
Roar Rookie
Yet unable to put a price on him, despite knowing he is overpaid.
Punter
Roar Rookie
Once again raising stats slanted it to suit your arguement to make you feel better for missing out on him. So I guess being ranked 1st this year for contested marks isnt that important as a key forward, or being 3rd in the comp for marks inside 50 per game is irrelevant as well. 4th on the goal kicking list is pretty over rated too for a forward. As I said earlier, stop trying to look for flaws in a guy just to make yourself feel better.
RT
Roar Rookie
His contract is not based only on what he can do this year after a knee injury and no pre-season.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Merely a distraction because you can't/won't answer the question. And yes, Buddy has been fantastic at, and for, Sydney. You extrapolate to suit your own neediness, Scribe. Now, what is Lynch worth per season?
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I said I would love Tom at the Pies, just not at $930K per year. His season has been stuttering for the amount of ball he commands. Goal Assists 2019 Himmelberg 24 Hawkins 19 Mihocek 13 Tom Lynch 12 Big Tom Lynch averages 3 marks inside 50 this season, Jaiydn Stephenson 2.75. Unlike your own Jack Riewoldt , Stephenson and even Jamie Elliot, Tom doesn't average in the top 100 for tackles inside 50 so if he doesn't grab it, he hasn't been much value. The only time he has really shown ground effort has been past couple of weeks, one of them against a bloke called Roughead who was so concussed, he thought he was still playing for the Dogs.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
As part of MM's collective! Certainly didn't win it on his own.
RT
Roar Rookie
Who here has said he is a bargain recruit? You are just making up stuff now to try and divert attention from your refusal to state his worth, rather than what he is not worth.
Punter
Roar Rookie
LOL give it up Pete, just admit Tom would have been nice in Pie colours and move on. Pretty sad how people just want the bloke to fail to justify their feelings. Not sure if you have been paying attention but Tom has actually looked pretty good the past month not just the 2nd quarter of last week. Build a bridge champ.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
How Many flags has Buddy helped land at the Swans again?
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Bucks on 360 said Roughead thought he was playing for the Dogs second quarter he was so concussed. No wonder Tom looked ok.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Darren Jolly, Collingwood, 2010. Would not have won the flag without him.
Gavan Iacono
Roar Rookie
Italian team of the century. 3 time premiership player. Including 71, The War.
Peter Warrington
Guest
i hope so, but the wind keeps whispering Al Martello
Gavan Iacono
Roar Rookie
Possibly. Not that he would care, but Matty Lloyd is a media liability. Little of real interest exits his mouth these days.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
my bet is the same media canning him earlier in the year are now annointing him as the new messiah. Was it Matthew Lloyd who called him a liability earlier in the year?
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
. . . and that is . . .
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Yes, I agree. Been really impressed with Bolton's last month. Adds a bit of speed and evasive skills to the midfield. Hopefully he can maintain it when things heat up.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Interesting that you value a ruckman more than 'a mark and prop forward' who is actually far more capable than you make out. I subscribe to the Leigh Matthews theory. Who was the last ruckman that won a flag for his team? Grundy is an awesome player but he won't win Collingwood a flag. Lynch might just win us one. And to compare it to a 'Buddy' scenario' is laughable on two counts, can you work it out? One . . . contract length and age, and Two . . . Buddy's been awesome for Sydney!
DingoGray
Roar Guru
I think big Tom is going to tear the Competition a new one next season once he's had a Full Preseason under his belt..... That's if he doesn't do it during September this year
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Not as absurd as you think, Nostradamus. Plenty of precedents. He might just be a team player like Cotch, Jack and Rance and overrule his manager. Your claim that his manager won't 'let him take a pay cut' is more absurd. Pretty sure the player has the final word regarding contracts.