Former Gold Coast Suns captain Tom Lynch opens up about joining Richmond

TOM Lynch says playing at the MCG and learning from new teammate Jack Riewoldt are two of the most exciting opportunities awaiting him at Richmond.

Tom Lynch has joined Richmond on a seven-year deal. Picture: Chris Hyde, Getty Images.

TOM Lynch says playing at the MCG and learning from new teammate Jack Riewoldt are two of the most exciting opportunities awaiting him at Richmond.

The former Suns captain has signed with Richmond on a seven-year deal that wasn’t matched by Gold Coast who will receive pick 3 at next month’s draft as compensation.

Lynch was taken on a tour of the Tigers’ Punt Road facilities on Monday by coach Damien Hardwick hours after the restricted agent got the trade he was seeking out of Queensland.

“It’s obviously great to be closer to family but (it will) also great to play on the MCG and play alongside Riewoldt. I’m sure I’ll learn a fair bit from him,” Lynch said.

Lynch, a two-time Suns club champion who kicked 254 goals for the club over eight years, was also chased by Collingwood and Hawthorn and the key forward said all three presented great opportunities.

“I felt there wasn’t any wrong club or choice to go with,” Lynch said.

“From the outside looking in I think (Richmond) have something really special and it’s great to be part of that.”

From Gold Coast’s first seven selections in its inaugural draft in 2010, Richmond now have three of them on its list including Josh Caddy, Dion Prestia and Lynch.

Lynch said he was tracking well after having surgery on his knee and while he would be on a modified training program early in the preseason, he expected to be fit to play in Round 1 against Carlton at the MCG.

“I’m probably still a month away from running but I’ll be well and truly right to go for Round 1,” Lynch said.

“I’ll be a bit slow early days (in preaseason). But I’ll pretty much start running once I start preseason. I’ll be a bit modified but after Christmas I should be ramping it up.”

It’s been a busy day of trading for the Suns who have lost Lynch but secured Tigers players Anthony Miles and Corey Ellis.

Gold Coast had an opportunity to match any bid on the restricted free agent Lynch which would either bolster their power during trade negotiations or force the key forward to the draft.

But with the Suns, who already hold pick 2 in the draft, to receive pick 3 as compensation for the club’s former captain Evans said they were comfortable with letting Lynch go.

Tom Lynch has joined Richmond on a seven-year deal. Picture: Chris Hyde, Getty Images.

“While we would all much rather retain Tom, the mechanics of Free Agency and the level of compensation we receive would suggest this is the best course of action for us at this point in time,” Evans said.

Evans said Lynch would always be welcomed back at the Suns.

“Tom’s contribution to our club has been significant, as a two-time best and fairest winner, All-Australian and captain he will always be welcomed back at the Suns,” Evans added.

“We understand the current free agency system is part of the AFL landscape, we respect Tom’s decision and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

Tom Lynch spent eight years at the Gold Coast Suns. Picture: Michael Willson, Getty Images.

Richmond footy manager Neil Balme said Lynch was an exciting prospect who had a lot left to give to the game.

“We’re pleased to welcome Tom to our football club,” Balme said.

“Tom is clearly a talented footballer, but he also has great leadership qualities and a strong work ethic.

“At only 25 years of age, he is an exciting prospect and has many years of good football ahead of him.

“I, like many of our fans, look forward to seeing Tom in yellow and black.”

Gold Coast traded their 2019 third round draft pick in exchange for Miles, who won Richmond’s JJ Liston Medal this year, Ellis, 21, and Richmond’s future third round selection.

The Suns will be Miles’, 26, third club after previous stints with both GWS (10 games) and Richmond (61 games) over seven years.

“Anthony has proven his ability at the top level and we’re excited by the opportunity to add him to our midfield group,” Suns list manager Craig Cameron said.

Miles averaged 28.6 disposals, 7.7 clearances and 4.2 tackles in 2018.

Ellis, taken with pick 12 in the 2014 draft, played 27 games with the Tigers.

“We’ve said that were keen to target players who are looking for greater opportunity, are of great character and are keen to help drive our club forward, Corey and Anthony fit that perfectly,” Cameron said.

Ellis averaged 22.2 disposals at 74% efficiency in the VFL in 2018 playing both on the wing and across half back.