Two AFL premierships, an All-Australian blazer, three club best and fairest awards - Tom Lynch has enjoyed a magnificent career.
Lynch has kicked 481 goals in his 233 games at Gold Coast and Richmond and will be hoping to be the 66th AFL player to kick 500 goals across his journey.
But his behaviour during the Tigers' 68-point loss to Adelaide on Sunday indicates the end of his career is closer than we think.
At 32 years old and after missing the majority of the 2023 and 2024 seasons with injuries, Lynch is struggling to compete at AFL level this season.
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And his frustration was evident as he hit Crows defender Jordon Butts in the head - an incident he will likely be suspended for - and gave away five free kicks for various other ill-disciplined acts.
Tensions rise following this incident involving Tom Lynch and Jordon Butts.#AFLTigersCrows pic.twitter.com/FyTMlT65ZO
— AFL (@AFL) June 29, 2025
The Adelaide defence cleverly limited Lynch's desire to run and jump at the football, hindering his ability to take marks and impact the contest.
This caused Lynch, who hadn't got a single possession of the ball up to the Butts incident shortly before half-time, to explode in frustration as he couldn't have ay influence on the game.
Lynch finished with two possessions, a goal, a mark and a tackle from 112 minutes of the 129 minutes played.
There was a suggestion last week by Jack Riewoldt that Gold Coast should entertain a move for Lynch because he believes Ben King would not stand up in finals.
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However, Lynch's recent performances are a long way short of what would be required of an AFL footballer to have an impact on a finals series.
Sadly, Lynch looks like he has been reduced to a forward-line battering ram, with his sole purpose in playing out time until Harry Armstrong, Jonty Faull and Thomas Sims are ready to take over the key position forward mantle.
It's an inglorious way for an AFL career to peter out, especially one as decorated and achievement-laden as Lynch's.