Tom Lynch joins Richmond Tigers as Suns departure is confirmed
Richmond is celebrating the news it has landed star forward Tom Lynch on a mammoth seven-year contract after the Gold Coast Suns decided not to match the Tigers' offer.
Key points:
- Lynch's Tigers contract will take him through to the end of the 2025 season
- The Suns had considered matching the Tigers' offer
- They will receive the number three pick in the national draft
The signing of Lynch, one of the hottest properties in the AFL, comes as no surprise as he had indicated the Tigers were his preferred club in the wake of informing the Suns in August that he wanted to leave the Gold Coast.
But the Tigers still needed to get the deal over the line on Monday and the signing of the restricted free agent was finally confirmed on the opening day of the AFL's trade period.
"Tom is clearly a talented footballer, but he also has great leadership qualities and a strong work ethic," Tigers' general manager of football Neil Balme said.
"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."
The Suns, who will receive pick number three in the draft as compensation, wished Lynch well although they had considered matching the offer, which was lodged last Friday.
"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," Suns chief executive Mark Evans said.
"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."
Lynch, was who drafted to the Suns in 2010 as the number 11 overall pick, is set to join a formidable forward line containing the likes of Jack Riewoldt.
He was stripped of the Suns' co-captaincy when he announced he wanted to leave the club, with whom he played 131 senior matches and kicked 254 goals.
Lynch claimed All Australian honours in 2016 and was twice a best and fairest winner with the Suns.
Meanwhile, the Suns have secured midfielders Anthony Miles and Corey Ellis from the Tigers, in addition to a third-round draft pick from 2019.
The Suns will give up a third-round pick from 2019 to the Tigers.
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