Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has defended Tom Lynch after Brisbane great Jonathan Brown criticised the key forward during Saturday’s win over North Melbourne.
Lynch was well held by the Kangaroos defence, finishing with six disposals, one mark and didn’t trouble the scorers in the Tigers’ 33-point victory at the MCG.
“You’ve got to get Lynch up the field, you’d be tempted put him in the ruck,” Brown told Fox Footy.
“He needs to get up the field and work his way into the game. I haven’t seen him in many contests – that’s the problem.”
Hardwick says Lynch is fulfilling his role in the team despite kicking just two goals in three weeks.
“Once again, Tom will always cop criticism. We get our key forwards to play in a specific way and it’s to bring the ball to ground,” the triple premiership coach told reporters.
“If he’s getting outmarked, I won’t be happy. But the fact of the matter is he plays his role. Tom’s a two-time premiership player. Enough said.
Hardwick continued: “Actually, what I will say is it’s very easy in the cheap seats. They tend to forget how hard this game is.
“Tom’s often outnumbered. I think he doesn’t get treated fairly at various stages. I’d like those people to have a really good hard look at his game, study his game, and see what they see.
“Browny’s (Jonathan Brown) capable of putting his hand up to coach at some stage. If he wants to coach – by all means, put your hand up.
“Seriously, give me his job. Let’s swap for a week.”
Lynch has kicked 30 goals in 16 games this season and is averaging 4.7 marks per match.