Former Brisbane Lions captain Alastair Lynch has declared Gold Coast must offer out of contract forward Tom Lynch the biggest deal in AFL history in order to keep him at the fledging club.
It has been reported in today’s Herald Sun that the Suns are preparing to table Lynch a seven-year deal worth up to $1.5 million per year, which would exceed the contract Sydney’s Lance Franklin has.
According to Lynch, Gold Coast has to cough up the cash to help reverse a trend of key players departing the club.
“Be absolutely sure that the number Tom Lynch gets will be the biggest contract in AFL history, there is no doubt about that,” the three-time premiership player told SEN’s The Sporting Capital.
“The Melbourne based clubs are lining up for an on and off field package that will present very nicely.
“This is where the start of the season is so important.
“The Gold Coast Suns will give him the number he needs to stay long tem, but the same will be coming from the likes of Collingwood.
“They need to get off to a good start because if by halfway through the season, if they're going ordinary, Tom Lynch is drifting further away.
“I want him to stay, he is a star, but there will be a lot of pressure to drag him back to Melbourne.”
Lynch considers the 25-year-old Sun one of the “best forwards” in the AFL, while also acknowledging his character, elements that would justify such a large contract.