Tom Lynch confident he’ll be fit to debut for new club Richmond in Round 1 despite knee surgery

THE AFL’s worst kept secret of 2018 is now official, with former Gold Coast co-captain Tom Lynch revealing he wants to be a Richmond player. He reveals why he chose the Tigers over Collingwood and Hawthorn.

Tom Lynch has told Gold Coast he wants to play for Richmond. Picture: Getty

NEW Richmond spearhead Tom Lynch is on track to make his Tigers debut in the blockbuster season-opener against Carlton next season.

Lynch, 25, on Tuesday morning confirmed the Herald Sun story he will join the Tigers when free agency officially opens on Friday.

The Gold Coast captain and star goal kicker said it was a tough decision to select Richmond over Collingwood and Hawthorn, but was thrilled to get the chance to play alongside Jack Riewoldt and provide a marking target for Dustin Martin next season.

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“It’s pretty exciting, obviously they’ve got a great midfield and it will be nice to get on the end of a few (kicks),” Lynch said.

Lynch said he had spoken with coach Damien Hardwick about the key role he would play in yellow and black.

“He just said he thinks Richmond will suit me,” Lynch said at TAB’s spring carnival launch.

“They identified they need a second tall forward to help Jack out so I’m just really excited.”

On Riewoldt, Lynch said: “He’s a three-time Coleman winner so it will be pretty exciting to play under him and learn a fair bit off him.”

Lynch had surgery on his posterior cruciate ligament in July, but said he would see his surgeon on Friday and was preparing to begin running within one month.

Tom Lynch has told Gold Coast he wants to play for Richmond. Picture: Getty

The Blairgowrie product and four-time leading Suns’ goal kicker said everything was on track to be available for the Round 1 clash against the Blues.

“I’m pretty confident I will be fine for Round 1,” he said.

“I’ll see the surgeon Friday and I should be back running within one month.

“So it will take time, but I’m very confident I will be no worries at all for the JLT (series) and Round 1.”

Lynch hopes to feature in his first finals series next year.

“It’s exciting to have this out in the open now and looking forward to joining the Richmond Football Club,” he said.

“It wasn’t until probably three or four weeks ago that I knew I wanted to leave Gold Coast.

There was three great clubs — I was in a great position and I didn’t think any club was a wrong decision, but I’m looking forward to joining the Tigers.

“It’ll be nice to hopefully play finals next year — I’ve never played finals before.”