Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020

Richmond coach Adem Yze believes Tom Lynch's contract situation should end with the experienced forward remaining at Punt Road beyond this season. Speaking ahead of Richmond's Round clash against Carlton at the MCG on Friday, Yze praised Lynch's influence both on and off the field, saying the veteran still has plenty to offer despite his recent injury setback. The comments come as Richmond also prepares for another important period in the AFL player market.

Yze confident Lynch can continue

Lynch is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2026 AFL season, but Yze sees no reason why the key forward should retire.

The Richmond coach made it clear he wants the club to retain the 34-year-old, pointing to his impact on a young Tigers forward line whenever he is available.

"No doubt," Yze told reporters on Friday.

"Those discussions will happen at the end of the year.

"But his form when he plays and the ripple effect of when he plays, with our really young forward line ... I will be pushing for the fact that what he brings on and off the field, no doubt he has got some footy left in him, for sure."

Lynch's leadership has become increasingly important during Richmond's rebuilding phase. While injuries have interrupted his recent seasons, his presence remains valuable for developing younger forwards learning their craft at AFL level.

Veteran returns against Carlton

Richmond receives a timely boost with Lynch returning for Saturday night's clash against Carlton at the MCG after recovering from a fractured larynx suffered in Round 11.

The Tigers took a cautious approach during his rehabilitation, refusing to rush one of their most experienced players back into action.

"We were never going to take any risk with him or push it any harder, irrelevant of what we're going through (on-field)."

His return gives Richmond another marking target inside 50 and adds experience to a side still building consistency throughout the season.

Supporters will hope Lynch's comeback provides a lift against a Carlton team that has found improved form in recent weeks.

Richmond avoids Zak Butters speculation

While Richmond continues to be linked with Port Adelaide star Zak Butters, Yze was reluctant to discuss the club's reported interest.

The midfielder remains one of the biggest names expected to shape the upcoming trade period, with several clubs reportedly preparing lucrative offers.

Rather than speculate, Yze preferred to focus on Richmond's immediate challenge.

"I can't think about things like that," Yze replied when asked about the chase for Butters.

"It's amazing, he has been in terrific form while this is all happening so you watch it and marvel at the type of player he is.

"But that's the landscape we live in, there's a lot of players right now that are out of contract.

"We went through it with Liam Baker a couple of years ago, so in the end he (Butters) will make his decision.

"We have got to plan around beating Carlton this weekend."

The coach's comments reflect the balancing act AFL clubs face during the season, with contract speculation often competing for attention alongside weekly match preparation.

Richmond planning future list changes

Although Yze refused to focus on individual targets, he confirmed Richmond intends to strengthen its squad with experienced players as the rebuild continues.

The Tigers have invested heavily in youth through recent drafts, but the coach acknowledged mature recruits will also play an important role.

"Whether we bring players in this year or next, we will start to think about that to add to our list that we have got right now," he said.

Richmond's list strategy is expected to become clearer once the season concludes and player movement officially begins.

For now, the immediate priority remains Saturday night's meeting with Carlton, where Lynch's return could provide the Tigers with an important boost as they chase another win.