Tiger Tom Lynch to bear surgical procedure for foot fracture

Star Richmond ahead Tom Lynch is about for a prolonged stint on the sidelines after fracturing his proper foot in Saturday’s five-point loss to the Western Bulldogs.

Lynch will bear surgical procedure, and the Tigers will reassess the damage after that earlier than placing a timeline on his return.

Jack Graham is about to overlook a number of matches after injuring his hamstring.

Lynch kicked two objectives within the opening time period towards the Bulldogs earlier than sustaining the foot fracture within the second quarter.

The 30-year-old clearly struggled after that, tallying simply two disposals within the second half.

He’s additionally going through a minimal three-match suspension after being despatched straight to the AFL Tribunal for his heavy bump that concussed Western Bulldogs defender Alex Keath in a marking contest.

Lynch’s damage is a big blow to Richmond’s hopes of changing into a real premiership risk this 12 months.

The important thing ahead kicked 63 objectives final season in his finest return since becoming a member of the Tigers on the finish of 2018, and his absence will place additional stress on veteran Jack Riewoldt.

Riewoldt was surprisingly rested towards the Bulldogs, and is about to return for subsequent Friday’s Collect Spherical conflict with Sydney at Adelaide Oval.

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick stated it was vital to relaxation 34-year-old Riewoldt and the membership’s different ageing stars, very like Geelong did final 12 months on the way in which to the premiership.

“We have guys who’re mid 30s, so they are not going to have the ability to play each recreation, and we do not need them to play each recreation,” Hardwick stated.

“The gamers have gotten a superb understanding of that. I feel it is one factor our trade have not acquired their head round.

“We wish to preserve the great gamers going for longer, so it means they are not going to play 22 video games.

“The sport’s as laborious because it has ever been. So we are able to sit there and preserve making an attempt to do it, and we are able to preserve getting accidents.

“Or we are able to sit there and attempt to handle these guys and attempt to get them proper for hopefully the sharp a part of the season.”

Richmond sit exterior of the highest eight after opening their season with a win, two losses and a draw.

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