Richmond premiership player Tom Lynch is likely to be in the sights of Victorian powerhouses Melbourne and Collingwood, according to veteran journalist Damien Barrett.
Amid a sea of change at Punt Road, rival clubs could start seeking ready-made players to remain in the premiership window, and the Pies and Demons have gone on record saying they need a key forward.
Lynch has been battered by persistent hamstring and foot injuries for the past two seasons, limiting the former Sun to eight games.
Before making the switch from Gold Coast to the Tigers, the 31-year-old was genuinely weighing up a move to the AIA Centre but ultimately chose the yellow and black ahead of the 2019 season.
Speaking on Channel 9's The Sunday Footy Show, Barrett believed that both clubs will be taking a close look at gaining Lynch's services next season despite being contracted until the end of 2025.
“I believe that Tom Lynch will be a person of interest for both Collingwood and Melbourne, (or) at least in consideration – they are both on record now of needing a key forward for next year,” Barrett said.
“I feel that he's going to be of interest; what does become an impostor is a $1.5 million price tag on his attached price tag on his attached contract the next year … They wouldn't have to give up much, I think taking as much of the salary will be reason enough.”
Collingwood failed to make finals after securing the premiership in 2023, with form and a host of injuries to key players making the push back up the mountain near impossible.
The Pies would like to look to the future of their forward line, which consists of Brody Mihocek (31), Mason Cox (33) and Dan McStay (28).
Lynch's potential move from the Tigers comes as the club farewelled three legends on Saturday at the MCG, bidding farewell to Dustin Martin, Dylan Grimes and Marlion Pickett.
It is also understood that out-of-contract midfielders Liam Baker and Jack Graham will likely make the switch to West Coast, while Shai Bolton (Fremantle) and Daniel Rioli (Gold Coast) appear keen to depart.
The Tigers are in a rare position that could see them hold the best draft hand seen in over a decade, which could see six picks in the top 20.
And despite Lynch's age and contract status, if he were to depart, it could warrant a second-round selection for the Tigers.