Tom Lynch tribunal: Richmond star charged over Alex Keath hit

Tom Naghten

•
Tom Lynch tribunal: Richmond star charged over Alex Keath hit image

Tom Lynch has been referred directly to the tribunal for his hit on Bulldogs defender Alex Keath in Richmond’s Saturday night loss.

The key forward elected not to compete for the ball in a marking contest, instead putting a bump on Keath who was tracking the flight of the ball.

Keath was ruled out of the match with concussion following the incident.

Take a look at the hit below.

In response, Lynch has been charged with rough conduct and referred directly to the tribunal, a step reserved for incidents in which a three or more match suspension is being sought.

Graded as careless with severe impact and high contact, the AFL appear keen to send a message with this one.

The length of suspension is less of a concern for the Tigers who look set to be without the star big man for an extended period of time anyway.

Lynch suffered a fractured foot on Saturday night and will require surgery.

Whether Richmond and Lynch will opt to contest the charge or simply take what they’re given remains to be seen.

The Tigers, who have a 1-2-1 record so far in 2023, face Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and West Coast over their next four matches.

In Saturday's other games, Jake Soligo can escape with a $1,500 fine if he takes the early guilty plea over an umpire contact incident, while Port Adelaide's Scott Lycett can accept a $2,000 for rough conduct.

Make it Your Year, with GREAT PROMOS every match this AFL Season with Palmerbet!

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.