Length of contract to be decisive as Gold Coast captain Tom Lynch weighs up his future

TIME is ticking for Tom Lynch. MARK ROBINSON reports the Gold Coast co-captain has two options — sign a shorter-term deal with the Suns or leave for one of three big Victorian clubs.

Tom Lynch in action against the Hawks last month. Pic: AAP

FREE agent Tom Lynch will sign a two-year deal worth up to $2.5 million — if he stays at Gold Coast.

But he will sign a deal for as long as seven years — at either Richmond, Collingwood or Hawthorn — and be paid about $1 million a season, if he returns to Victoria.

On the day free agent Rory Sloane agreed to a five-year contract extension at Adelaide, Lynch’s future was no clearer.

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Unofficially, it’s almost certain Lynch won’t be at Gold Coast next year.

Richmond is considered the favourite to land Lynch, but major talks to come with the Tigers, Hawthorn and Collingwood will decide his final destination.

The length of term will be a decisive issue.

“If Rory Sloane can get five years to stay at Adelaide, then Tom Lynch, who is 25, should get six, probably seven years if he moves,’’ an industry source told the Herald Sun yesterday.

The Suns are understood to have verbally offered a five-year deal, which would make Lynch one of the highest-paid players in the AFL, and have recently asked for a decision as soon as possible from their foundation player.

That the captain had not already committed to next year has Suns officials fearing the worst.

Lynch’s discussions with the Suns and his three suitors have stalled in recent weeks.

His manager Paul Connors has recently returned from overseas, while Lynch will have an operation on his injured PCL next week, which will require between four and six months rehabilitation.

Although there is slight concern about the impact of the injury, it’s anticipated it won’t drastically affect contract talks.

Tigers star Alex Rance might call Tom Lynch a teammate next season. Pic: Getty Images

Clearly, if it was a money decision, Lynch would remain at Gold Coast.

The remote chance of him staying would be a massive show of loyalty, in that he would give the Suns another two years to convince him they were a club with a strong future.

It’s understood Lynch has a terrific relationship with coach Stuart Dew and his teammates.

However, the lure of home after eight seasons as a Sun, and the prospect of on-field success, is powerful.

The five-year commitment from Sloane pleased both the Crows and AFL great Leigh Matthews.

“While it is a human right for players to move to the club of their choice for whatever reason, personally I applaud the stayers,” Matthews tweeted yesterday. “Those who have the resilience and strength of character to remain one club players, so very well done to Rory Sloane.”

While it is a human right for players to move to the club of their choice for whatever reason , personally I applaud the stayers , those who have the resilience and strength of character to remain one club players , so very well done to Rory Sloane

— Leigh Matthews (@LeighRMatthews) July 11, 2018

The 28-year-old, who was pursued by several Victorian teams, admitted there had been a “lot to weigh up’’.

“This is a great footy club and I have said many times before how much I respect and love the place and people, particularly the playing group’’ Sloane said.

“There is always a lot to weigh up, especially given Belinda (wife) and I are about to start a family, and we have been in constant talks with the club for some time.

“I’m super excited about what the future holds, both from a personal and football perspective.”

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Originally published as Length of contract to be decisive as Gold Coast captain Tom Lynch weighs up his future