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Why Tom Lynch is vital to avoid Tigers 'slaughter,' according to Richmond icon Matthew RichardsonNic Negrepontis
Nine
July 3, 2025Richmond champion Matthew Richardson remains confident that veteran key forward Tom Lynch has a role to play for the club going forward, despite his struggles in 2025.
The 32-year-old was suspended for five games for punching Adelaide defender Jordon Butts, during a statless first half in round 16.
Lynch has kicked 19 goals this season, ranked second at the club, and remains in talks about playing on in 2026.
However, Richmond's greatest modern goal kicker Matthew Richardson believes Lynch has a key role to play when he returns in 2025 and even into 2026.
The Tigers have a number of key forwards on their list outside of the veteran, but they are all at the beginning of their careers.
Liam Fawcett (20 year's old), Jonty Faull (19), Thomas Sims (19) and Harry Armstrong (19) are all very green, while Mykelti Lefau is 27, but has only played 11 games.
Richardson believes it is now Lynch's job to take the no.1 key defender and help these young Tigers talls through the beginning stages of their careers.
"I still think he's important for Richmond moving forward for another 12 months," Richardson told 3AW.
"You can't throw these young teenage key forwards to the slaughter next year.
"Tom, yeah he's not the player he once was and we all decline a little bit in our mid 30s, but he still gets the No.1 key defender.
"Even if he is playing on next year, he gets the No.1 defender and it allows these young guys to develop.
"So, I hope when Tom does his time here, he comes back and keeps playing."
Lynch has had a decorated AFL career having won two premierships at Richmond, three best and fairests between the Tigers and Suns, a six-time leading goal kicker of both clubs and an All-Australian.
Given he is in the twilight of his career and playing in a rebuilding team however, Richardson says he needs to shift his mindset.
"I think what you've got to do is lower your own expectations on yourself," he said.
"Tom has been a superstar and Richmond wouldn't have won the 2019 premiership without him, he was simply outstanding.
"Your own expectations are still high, but sometimes your body doesn't quite allow you to get there. You've got to re-wire your own thinking there.
"So I think if Tom just thinks that he's there to help support these young guys for 12 months, I think he's still got a role to play."
While some, including Collingwood premiership coach Mick Malthouse, have questioned the AFL's decision to suspend Lynch for five games, Richardson understands the hefty call.
"Clearly the AFL wanted to make an example (of him)," Richardson said.
"It was a bit of a throwback to a bygone era. It wasn't a good look, you can't have kids seeing that.
"Tom knows that, everyone knows that, so I think five weeks was always going to be the case.
"I understand his frustration on the weekend. He probably was getting scragged and Richmond's ball movement, kicking it long and high.
"When you're in your mid 30s as a key forward and you just lose a little bit of pace or a little bit of leap, you can get really frustrated at times.
"I can see why he was frustrated, but clearly you've got to be able to hold your cool better than that."
https://www.nine.com.au/sport/afl/news-2025-richmond-tigers-tom-lynch-matthew-richardson-slaughter-suspension-20250703-p5mcbx.html
