Lynch’s arrival is only one of many reasons Richmond are the popular tip to claim the club’s 12th flag this season.
Most players have enjoyed solid pre-seasons, with Shaun Grigg (knee) and Josh Caddy (ankle) the only 2017 premiership players ruled out of round one.
Superstar midfielder Dustin Martin is fit again and in a good place with his footy, intent on returning to the stunning form of 2017 when he took all before him.
But perhaps Riewoldt summed up why the Tigers will be such a threat once again this season.
After storming to last year’s minor premiership, he believes Richmond are out for redemption after an uncharacteristic performance in a 39-point preliminary final loss to the Pies.
“I think that’s true but the problem is when you’re preparing for your season if you worry too much about the outcome you don’t do what you’re supposed to do,” Balme said.
“What he’s saying there is that we prepared ourselves as well as we could but it didn’t work so we’re dirty on it.
“We’re not dirty on Collingwood, we’re dirty on ourselves so we’re going to make sure that we do everything right to get there again.
“That’s what redemption is.”
RICHMONDCoach: Damien Hardwick
Captain: Trent Cotchin
Last five years: 8-7-13-1-3
Premierships: 11 (1920, 1921, 1932, 1934, 1943, 1967, 1969, 1973, 1974, 1980, 2017).
Key five: Dustin Martin, Jack Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin, Tom Lynch, Alex Rance.
One to watch: Noah Balta. The more excitable fans of the Tiger Army have likened the athletic specimen to Matthew Richardson, Anthony Koutoufides or Alex Rance or even a combination of all three. Insiders are also excited about the versatile tall’s potential after an impressive pre-season.
Ins: Jake Aarts (Richmond VFL), Riley Collier-Dawkins (Oakleigh Chargers), Luke English (Perth), Tom Lynch (Gold Coast), Jack Ross (Oakleigh Chargers), Fraser Turner (Clarence), Maverick Weller (St Kilda).
Outs: Reece Conca (Fremantle), Nathan Drummond (delisted), Corey Ellis (Gold Coast), Ben Griffiths (retired), Shaun Hampson (retired), Sam Lloyd (Western Bulldogs), Anthony Miles (Gold Coast), Tyson Stengle (Adelaide).
Best line-up:B: Dylan Grimes, David Astbury, Nick Vlastuin
HB: Jayden Short, Alex Rance, Nathan Broad
C: Shaun Grigg, Trent Cotchin, Kamdyn McIntosh
HF: Daniel Rioli, Tom Lynch, Dion Prestia
F: Jack Higgins, Jack Riewoldt, Josh Caddy
R: Toby Nankervis, Dustin Martin, Shane Edwards
I: Kane Lambert, Jack Graham, Bachar Houli, Dan Butler
Predicted finish: 1st
Source: Sportsnews/AAP
