Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Richmond coach Adem Yze says veteran forward Tom Lynch still has plenty to offer and wants the club to extend the premiership star beyond this season. The comments came on Friday ahead of Richmond's Round clash with Carlton at the MCG, while speculation continues around the Tigers' interest in Port Adelaide midfielder Zak Butters. The update is significant as Richmond balances developing a young list with adding experienced talent for the future.
Lynch is out of contract at the end of the 2025 AFL season, but Yze believes the experienced key forward remains an important part of Richmond's plans. The 33 year old has endured another injury interrupted campaign but is set to return for Saturday night's clash against Carlton after recovering from a fractured larynx suffered in Round 11.
Speaking to reporters, Yze made it clear he believes Lynch deserves another contract.
"There is no doubt," Yze said when asked whether Lynch has more football left in him.
He added that contract discussions would take place after the season but praised Lynch's impact both on and off the field.
According to Yze, Lynch's presence provides valuable guidance for Richmond's emerging forward line, with his leadership helping accelerate the development of younger teammates.
Lynch returns after injury setback
Lynch's return is a welcome boost for Richmond after missing several weeks with a fractured larynx. The unusual injury required a cautious rehabilitation process, with the club unwilling to rush his recovery.
Yze said Richmond's medical staff prioritised Lynch's long term health rather than attempting to fast track his return.
"We were never going to take any risk with him or push it any harder, irrelevant of what we are going through," Yze said.
His inclusion gives the Tigers additional experience and structure in attack as they prepare to face an improving Carlton outfit at the MCG.
Lynch has battled injuries across the past few seasons but remains one of the AFL's most accomplished key forwards. Since joining Richmond from Gold Coast ahead of the 2019 season, he has played a crucial role in the club's premiership success.
Richmond focused on Zak Butters speculation
While questions about Lynch's future continue, Richmond is also being linked with one of the biggest names expected to feature during the upcoming AFL trade period.
Port Adelaide star Zak Butters is reportedly considering several lucrative contract offers, with Richmond among the clubs interested in securing the dynamic midfielder. Western Bulldogs and Geelong have also been heavily linked with the 2023 All Australian.
Yze declined to be drawn into speculation surrounding Butters' future.
"I cannot think about things like that," he said.
Instead, the Richmond coach praised Butters for maintaining elite form despite ongoing contract attention.
"It is 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."
Yze also acknowledged that contract speculation has become a regular feature of the modern AFL landscape, noting many players remain unsigned throughout the season.
Tigers planning for future list improvements
Although Yze would not comment directly on Richmond's pursuit of Butters, he confirmed the club is preparing to strengthen its list with experienced players in coming seasons.
The Tigers have entered a rebuilding phase after several years of sustained success, with a large group of young players now forming the core of the squad.
Yze said Richmond would assess opportunities to recruit mature talent that can complement its developing list.
"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.
His comments suggest Richmond remains active in planning for both immediate improvement and long term competitiveness.
Full attention on Carlton clash
Despite questions about contracts and recruiting, Yze insisted his primary focus remains preparing Richmond for Saturday night's match against Carlton.
The Tigers will hope Lynch's return provides a significant boost as they attempt to challenge a Carlton side that has shown improved form in recent weeks.
For Richmond, the remainder of the season will be important both for the continued development of its young players and for decisions surrounding key veterans such as Lynch.
Meanwhile, the AFL world will continue watching the future of Butters, whose eventual decision is expected to become one of the biggest stories of the upcoming player movement period.
