Richmond coach Damien Hardwick says he would love to secure the services of free agent Tom Lynch for the 2019 AFL season.
The newly re-signed Hardwick believes Richmond could accommodate for his massive salary next year but finds it distasteful to poach rival players in-season.
Current AFL rules allow clubs to meet with rival players and their managers mid-season to pitch for their services.
The idea of Lynch joining the Tigers is a scary one for rival clubs as they begin their premiership defence. Another top four finish for Richmond could go a long way in luring Lynch away from the Suns.
In a Fox Footy interview, Hardwick ensured that the Tigers are keen on Lynch’s services.
“The quality of player who Tom is, is incredible,” he said.
“Those sort of players very rarely come out of contract, especially with free-agency … to not cost draft picks, you probably make room for that type of player.
“He’s an incredible athlete, great player and a great leader by all accounts. The quality of those sort of players don’t come out often, so you’ve got to have a look at it.”
The premiership coach was candid when asked how soon the Tigers would contact Lynch.
“You are actually allowed to do this. We do talk to players that are out of contract … It’s an uncomfortable situation because I’m talking to opposition players and opposition clubs are talking to my players, it’s probably not a great look for our game.
“I’d rather it just took place at the end of the year. This is prior to Round 1 — we’re already speaking about Tom Lynch who’s got a whole year to play at a club that he’s heavily invested in.
“Look we do (meet them). It’s not something I overly enjoy doing. I love meeting the kids, they’re great. The worst thing about being the coach is you fall in love with every single one of them. You want them all at your footy club. It’s part and parcel of what we do.”
Hardwick has previously called for an anti-tampering rule that would ban clubs from talking to rival players while they are in contract.
Richmond CEO Brendon Gale has already indicated Dustin Martin’s seven-year deal would not stop the Tigers from making strong offers to other players.
He has suggested that that the club would make room for Lynch’s contract, and Hardwick clearly agrees.
“Well, you’d have to ask the list manager. I’ll have space because he’s a bloody good player,’’ Hardwick said jokingly.
“The money side of things, I don’t know. Let them figure that one out.”