Richmond star Tom Lynch has been ruled out of Friday night’s AFL qualifying final against Brisbane with a hamstring injury.
The key forward completed a light training session with teammates on Monday, after which coach Damien Hardwick declared Lynch’s progress looked “promising”.
But the Tigers decided hours later it would be too big a risk to play Lynch at the Gabba on Friday night, three weeks to the day since the injury.
“Collectively, we feel that Tom isn’t quite ready to return to play this week,” Richmond football performance manager Tim Livingstone said.
“We are confident we’ve made the right decision for both Tom and the team heading into this finals series.”
Lynch appears likely to return in Richmond’s second final, while Mabior Chol and Josh Caddy are leading the race to fill in for the Tigers’ leading goal-kicker this week.
It will come down to a question of structure as Hardwick weighs up how many tall forwards to take into the match.
“We’ve got an ideal look that it may be, but that’s not to say that it won’t differ with different personnel with those guys coming back,” Hardwick said.
“We’re working our way through that at this stage.”
Hardwick has no concerns about throwing Dion Prestia straight into a high-pressure final after a three-month injury lay-off.
Prestia went through complications after surgery on his ankle syndesmosis injury and has not played a senior match since round five.
But the Tigers’ reigning best-and-fairest has impressed at training and in match simulation over the past few days has been cleared to play against Brisbane.
“He was very good in our scrimmage that we had on the weekend and trained strongly again today,” Hardwick said.
“He hasn’t played for a long period of time but he’s got a fair base behind him.
“He’s been in the system for 10-odd years, so he’s got a good understanding of what he can and can’t do.
“The shortened quarters and the same numbers of interchange will certainly be of benefit, but we’re very confident he’ll play a good brand of footy for us.”
Mark.
Roar Rookie
01-03 Lions would be the current Tigers team by 10 goals.
Larry Longshaft
Roar Rookie
You complete me
Dave
Roar Rookie
No, 2dogs. I merely point out that Lynch was fined, not suspended, making your statement meaningless.
Dave
Roar Rookie
No it’s not actually, purely speculation in my opinion! Clearly you’re just yet another anti Richmond person! meh get stuffed basically, no offence :)
Larry Longshaft
Roar Rookie
Relevant enough? :laughing:
Larry Longshaft
Roar Rookie
Without donations from other supporters and clubs the Tigers would be the Melbourne Tigers. You’re Welcome :thumbup:
2dogs
Roar Rookie
What week? So you’re admitting there’s more than one time his play was questionable? Hmmm :stoked:
Dave
Roar Rookie
What week, he was found not guilty of both offences warranting a suspension! Desperate words by probably the most anti Richmond supporter within this forum! Move on 2 dogs, move on!
Dave
Roar Rookie
Ancient history mate! Claim ya $2 back on tax then. Takes a lot more than donations to build a successful club! Time, patience, hard work and a good business plan along with right people! Sorry, but that’s a stupid comment to make, with no relevance at all to what the RFC is today!
Larry Longshaft
Roar Rookie
I remember back in the day when Richmond where rattling tins out the front of games to save the club. Worst 2 bucks I ever parted with. Yw tigers fans. I saved your club
2dogs
Roar Rookie
He’s paying for the extra week he should have received early in the year.
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
Yes. Saw it. The media would have been in a frenzy.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
No, I didn't see any of what you're referring to.
Eddie from Elwood
Roar Rookie
That's the most pertinent question.
Larry Longshaft
Roar Rookie
Always correct
Mark
Roar Rookie
Did you see Oscar McInerney's punch on Sam Walsh last week? It was highlighted by Nick Reiwoldt on 'On the Couch'. Apparently he's done it a few times according to Nick. Imagine if that had been a "dogshot" perpetrated by Tom Lynch....it would melt the internet! But its all OK because it good old Oscar, right?
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
Are you more confident of winning the premiership this year than you were at the same time in 2018?
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Well, can't say I'm disappointed by this - on one hand it sets the Lions up for even more embarassment if we wind up losing, but on the other hand we don't have to deal with that aryan prima donna poncing round the forward 50 doing dog shots
Boo
Guest
Brisbane's credibility on the line ,facing three finals losses in a row and a possible consecutive double loss finals exit on the back of the least dislocated schedule of any team against there nemesis who probably are going in with there weakest line up all year time for the Lions to stand up.If the Tigers win and go all the way excuse the arrogance of the faithful as we may be witnessing an all time great side and arguable the best ever Tiger time.
Larry Longshaft
Roar Rookie
No hamstring injury. Lynch is scared of Robbo.