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FWC on Sport Nation guideCornes: Should Tom Lynch go around again?
SEN • July 7th, 2026 6:50 pm
Amid Richmond’s injury-hit season, key forwards have come at a premium.
And unfortunately for the club, Tom Lynch hasn’t been the rock ahead of the ball that the club requires.
Despite only featuring just eight times this season, Lynch remains the side’s primary target ahead of the ball.
With young guns Harry Armstrong and Jonty Faull combining for just 13 games across the season and Noah Balta playing his best football in the ruck, Lynch’s presence has been essential alongside Mykelti Lefau.
That said, the 33-year-old hasn’t always delivered when called upon.
With just 11 goals and 14 behinds over his eight games, Lynch’s reliability in front of goal has been a serious concern, and Round 17 proved no different.
Taking on the Blues without any of Jacob Weitering, Harry Dean or Lewis Young, Lynch was unable to influence on the scoreboard despite his clear size advantage, booting just one behind from three attempts on goal.
After his seven-behind effort against the same opposition in Round 1, Lynch now has just two goals from 13 shots against Carlton this year, with the Blues winning both games by a combined six points.
Without a deal at the conclusion of this season, Lynch’s yips in front of goal had David King and Kane Cornes questioning the former All-Australian’s future.
“What’s going on with Tom Lynch?” King asked on SEN Fireball.
“It’s the second time Carlton have been let off the hook by Tom.
“I think he had three shots on goal for one point, and when they had to have it late, he really didn’t take his opportunities.”
Cornes added: “I’ve never seen more of the yips with goalkicking.
“Why is this happening? Players just lose their way.
“Different level, but I saw Jack Whitlock go around the body from 25 metres out; he hit the middle of the ball, and it went straight up!
“Goalkicking has been terrible this year and Lynch is a main culprit of that.”
It begged Cornes to ask the question: “Should he go around again?”
“Adem Yze was pretty complimentary of him after the game.”
A best and fairest and two-time premiership player with the Tigers, Lynch’s experience has been crucial when available.
He will look to better his form as the Tigers take on Melbourne this Sunday afternoon.
