Richmond, Collingwood and Hawthorn all look like they’ve got plenty on their minds at the moment, but no doubt fans of the three clubs will be keeping an eye and ear on all things Tom Lynch.
Latest reports on Friday suggest the Hawks are going all out to secure the Gold Coast star, adding to recent trade coups Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara.
Former Essendon star Tim Watson told SEN Breakfast on Friday that Hawthorn was being, “very aggressive in their pursuit of Tom Lynch and what they potentially might offer.”
“They believe that might influence the Gold Coast Suns, who may be able to influence Tom Lynch as to where he should go, if in fact he believes it is one of those three clubs.
“I think it would have to be maybe a couple of players as well.”
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As a free agent Lynch can walk to another club without any need for trade action, although the Suns could force bidding clubs’ hands by matching the highest offer.
However, with AFL compensation certain to be a draft pick immediately after Gold Coast’s first-round selection - currently number two overall – it’s unlikely the competing clubs could come up with a more attractive option.
So, where do the Tigers, Magpies and Hawks stand in their campaigns to lure Lynch south?
And what are their offers, best selling points and trade options?
Richmond :
Money : $1 million a season for five years. Lowest of the three offers.
Success : Reigning premiers and current standout team in the AFL.
List : The big four (Cotchin, Martin, Riewoldt and Rance) have all re-signed to 2021 or beyond, and the rest of the playing list is quite young. Lynch would share a forward line with Riewoldt rather than being the sole focal point.
Tradable players if the Suns are interested : Jacob Townsend (NSW originally), Anthony Miles (NSW), Sam Lloyd (NSW), Brandon Ellis, Reece Conca
Tradable draft selections (as at round 21): 18, 36, 72
Other considerations : With a massive fan base the ability to get commercial dollars is huge. Since last year’s Brownlow win Dustin Martin has been raking in the dollars by endorsing everything from footwear to headphones, underwear to pay TV. This could add another $100K to $250K annually if Richmond keeps winning. Post-career options such as media positions and speaking careers also double when associated with a club like the Tigers.
Collingwood:
Money : $1 – $1.2 million a season for five years. Middle of the three offers.
Success : Heading into its first finals series for five years, but looking strong and with plenty of talent currently sidelined.
List : A top-notch midfield of Pendlebury, Treloar, Adams and Sidebottom that can provide silver-service delivery into the forward line. ‘Pendles’ is getting on, but De Goey and Stephenson will be ready to step up. Cox and/or Moore will be nearby, but Lynch would be the main man in front of goal, for better or worse.
Tradable players if the Suns are interested : Adam Oxley, Josh Thomas and Josh Smith are all from Queensland and capable, hardened footballers.
Tradable draft selections (as at round 21): 14, 49, 50, 68
Other considerations : Like Richmond, Collingwood’s supporter base and media position opens up extra-curricular earning opportunities, but not quite on the same level as the Tigers. Consider $100K to $150K extra to be very do-able. Post career options are similar, and would go through the roof if Lynch helped take the Pies to a premiership.
Hawthorn :
Money : $1.2 million a season for seven years. Highest of the three offers.
Success : It’s Hawthorn – they’re always successful.
List : Seems to be shedding the ‘premiership heroes’ yet still sitting in the top four. Mitchell, Sicily and O’Meara will be around for years but there’s question marks over how good the other young players are. Roughead’s close to the end, but Gunston and Breust will keep the forward line in good nick for a few years yet, easing the load on Lynch.
Tradable players if the Suns are interested : Jono O’Rourke, Tim O’Brien, Will Langford … maybe even a little bit of Cyril?
Tradable draft selections (as at round 21): 15, 33, 51
Other considerations : Hawthorn might be well followed, but the ‘brand’ doesn’t have a wide reach and endorsements don’t pour in, limiting extra earning capacity during Lynch’s career. However, the club’s reputation as a football powerhouse does wonders for future coaching or commentating gigs, keeping the dollars flowing for years to come – if Lynch is capable of doing these things
