Optimism aplenty for Tigers in 2026: LynchBy Henry Milic
RFC website
Dec 11, 2025As Richmond enters its final week of pre-season before the Christmas break, star forward Tom Lynch has been encouraged by the playing group’s strong attitude and approach to training.
“Everyone is flying this time of year,” Lynch told 3AW.
“We have had a good few weeks. We went up to Yarrawonga for a pre-season camp, and it was good for connection and to meet the new guys.
“We have a week left now, December is getting away very quickly...it’s been good fun.
“We have a really young list, and we are trying to encourage guys and teach them good habits, good training standards, and they are all really taking it on.”
Entering his eighth season at the Swinburne Centre, Lynch took positives from the contract extension of coach Adem Yze, lauding his efforts in developing a young side.
“I wasn’t surprised at all, I thought it was a no-brainer to be honest,” Lynch said.
“I think it is just good for Yze and for everyone to know the clarity that he is going to be here.
“He has made a great impact since he has been here, and he is in his third year now, so he is only getting better and better, and we love playing under him.”
When reflecting on the 2025 season, Lynch admitted the side wasn’t satisfied with five wins and is confident the playing group has taken learnings from close losses.
The veteran forward said he is excited by the prospect of helping the young crop of players develop their craft.
“At the end of the day, we won five games, which is clearly not good enough, and we want to get better,” Lynch said.
“There were some positives, but at the end of the day, we want to be pushing up the ladder as quickly as we can, and we know that is going to be hard work.
“There were a few games that we let slip. I think that GWS game we were up by 40 points at three-quarter time, and that was a very good learning curve for us.
“But we go into this season with optimism, and we know that we have to improve again, and it’s not just going to happen, but it’s exciting, especially at my age and the stage of my career.
“Having these young key forwards, who are highly talented coming through, I just want to try and teach them as much as I can.”
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1941004/optimism-aplenty-for-tigers-in-2026-lynch
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