Richmond recruit Tom Lynch a 'liability', says Matthew Lloyd

Tom Naghten

Richmond recruit Tom Lynch a 'liability', says Matthew Lloyd image

Matthew Lloyd has flagged major concerns with Richmond forward Tom Lynch, claiming the new recruit is a "liability at the moment."

Lynch has kicked 17 goals in his first seven matches for the Tigers, though Lloyd thinks his form is a worry.

Speaking on 3AW on Monday, the three-time Coleman Medal winner discussed Lynch's start to life as a Tiger.

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"He's a massive concern," Lloyd said.

"He's turning like I maybe would at the moment as a 41-year-old and that's a really big sledge, but unless he can mark or get it lace out, he's a liability at the moment.

"At ground level, defensively, turning - compare him to the benchmark, (Jeremy) Cameron - inside 50s, goal assists. Unless he marks it, he's not effective as a player."

It's a big whack from Lloyd considering Lynch finds himself at a new club and sits equal second on the Coleman Medal table after the first seven games.

Perhaps the protracted contract saga that eventually saw the former Suns co-captain join Richmond has increased the level of focus on his performance.

The big-money, long-term contract he signed also comes with significant expectations.

Though given he missed most of last season with a knee injury and was expected to miss at least some of 2019, the Tigers must be pretty happy with his output thus far.

Add in the fact that Jack Riewoldt has only played three matches so far this season, leaving Lynch to shoulder the key forward load, and the 26-year-old has been up against it so far.

Lynch and his side face a trip to Perth to play Fremantle in round eight.

 

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.