Has Gold Coast Suns captain Tom Lynch played his last game for the club?
Have we seen the last of Tom Lynch at the Suns? The Gold Coast skipper has opted to undergo season ending knee surgery.
AFL
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SUNS captain Tom Lynch says he will make a decision on his playing future once he undergoes season ending knee surgery.
Lynch has made the decision to go under the knife after succumbing to a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury he has managed throughout the bulk of the 2018 AFL season.
The 25-year-old key forward missed four matches earlier in the season and had been managing the injury during the year.
But medical staff have now advised Lynch, a free agent who has the likes of Richmond and Hawthorn chasing his signature, surgery would be the best option.
Lynch said he was frustrated that the injury would end his 2018 season.
“It’s a really disappointing to know that I’m going to have to have surgery and not play out the season,” Lynch said.
“I’ve been doing all I can to rehab the injury without requiring surgery. That has meant I haven’t been able to get out there and train with the team during the week like you normally would.
“We’ve been assessing my knee weekly and the latest advice recommends surgery and I’ll get that done as soon as possible.”
Lynch is one of four changes to the Suns side who will face Collingwood on Saturday at Metricon Stadium.
Sam Day (shoulder), Jack Leslie (omitted) and Callum Ah Chee (personal) will all miss the Round 15 game and will be replaced by Steven May, Rory Thompson, Brayden Crossley and debutant Wil Powell.
Lynch insisted he had not yet made a decision on whether he would re-sign at the Suns or shift to a new club, declaring he would sit down with his manager after undergoing surgery.
“Obviously there is going to be commentary around my contract with the news of me being ruled out for the rest of the season, I’m realistic to understand that,” Lynch said.
“Post-surgery I’m sure the time will come where I’ll sit down with my manager and work through what the best option going forward is.
“Clearly, I’ve got a decision to make on my future, but the reality is I haven’t made that decision.”
Suns football manager Jon Haines said it was disappointing news for Lynch.
“Tom has displayed terrific leadership and great character to manage the issue to this point,” Haines said.
“We have always been of the view that Tom’s personal wellbeing is our number one priority and following detailed consultation with Tom, the club doctor and the relevant specialists, we have all agreed that surgery to repair his PCL is the most appropriate decision.
“Surgery means Tom will not be able to play for somewhere between four to six months. “Post-surgery we will do all we can to ensure he recovers fully from the operation.”
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