Former Richmond coach Terry Wallace says if finances fit, the Tigers shape as an ideal landing spot for impending free agent Tom Lynch.
As the hottest property on the free agency market, the 25-year-old star forward’s signature looms as the storyline of the 2018 season.
“How Richmond goes with the big deal they had to do with Dustin Martin, and how that impacts is something I don’t know, but if they are in the financial market then certainly they have to," Wallace told SEN Afternoons.
“The fact you know you might have 90,000 members that you will play in front of…there are so many things that have them (Richmond) stumped up the equal of anyone else.”
Wallace expects the Tigers' premiership defence to be in stark contrast to that of the Bulldogs last season, with another pointy end finish on the cards for the reigning premier.
Coach Damien Hardwick, himself the beneficiary of a newly inked three-year contract extension, took the unusual step of endorsing the recruitment of Lynch two weeks out from the season opener.
“The quality of those sorts of players don’t come out (of contract) often, so you’ve got to have a look at it,” he said.
Other clubs likely to make a spirited run at the Suns' co-captain include St Kilda, North Melbourne, Collingwood and Hawthorn. St Kilda is desperate to land a big fish to endorse it as a destination club while North Melbourne has the salary cap space to outbid any of its Victorian rivals.
Since being drafted with the 11th overall pick at the 2010 draft Lynch has kicked 234 goals from 121 matches. He does not turn 26 until October 30.
Players drafted in front of Lynch eight years ago included Jared Polec (pick five) and Reece Conca (pick six).