Jack Riewoldt has raised serious concerns about Ben King’s ability to deliver when it matters most, urging Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick to consider bringing Tom Lynch back to the club ahead of a potential finals tilt.
The Richmond great made the comments on Fox Footy’s On the Couch, questioning King’s overall impact beyond goal-scoring.
While the 24-year-old has kicked 35 goals this season and sits fourth in the Coleman Medal race, Riewoldt isn’t convinced he can be relied upon in high-pressure moments.
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“I look at Ben King and his output this year... he’s going OK. But what does he provide outside of kicking goals?” Riewoldt asked. “I’m starting to come to the belief I don’t think Ben King can be a big finals key forward.”
‘Call Tom Lynch’
Riewoldt believes Hardwick should turn to a familiar face in Tom Lynch, the 32-year-old now out of contract at Richmond, who previously captained the Suns before enjoying premiership success with the Tigers.
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“If I’m Damien Hardwick, I’d put a call in to Tom Lynch,” Riewoldt said. “We’re averaging 59 inside 50s — the best in the competition. Have you got two years of footy ahead of you to potentially play in another flag under me?”
Lynch has managed 18 goals from 12 games this season, a positive return after a stretch of injury setbacks. Riewoldt added, “I reckon Tom Lynch has held up pretty well this year for Richmond in a very undermanned (side).”