Former Hawthorn list manager Chris Pelchen says the Hawks’ ability to successfully treat players with chronic knee injuries could factor into Tom Lynch’s decision to potentially move to the club.
The Hawks have been able to prolong the careers of midfield duo Shaun Burgoyne and Jaeger O’Meara, who both suffered from persistent knee problems at their previous clubs.
Lynch will miss the remainder of the season due to a posterior cruciate ligament injury, and while it isn’t believed to be career threatening, Pelchen believes Hawthorn’s high class medical team could be a key detail in their endeavours to lure the star forward.
“I think it would have to play a part,” he told SEN Mornings.
“It’s a PCL so it’s not like it’s a career threatening knee injury.
“Although he has had a slight knee injury a few years ago, I don’t think it’s something that’s a major concern to any club that will be talking to him at the moment.
“You see what’s happened to Shaun Burgoyne when he went to Hawthorn, I know from my time at Hawthorn that we were genuinely concerned about Shaun’s longevity in the game when he was picked up by the Hawks.
“We were hoping to get three seasons, and here he is nine years later and he’s still going.
“The man-management at Hawthorn is first class and I’ve got no doubt that the knee injury wouldn’t be of concern to them.”
Listen to Chris Pelchen’s chat on SEN Mornings with Kane Cornes in the player below