Richmond key forward Tom Lynch will have scans on his broken foot in the coming weeks to determine whether he returns for the Tigers this season.
The reigning best-and-fairest winner has not played since round four, when he left the field against the Western Bulldogs after fracturing his right foot.
He had surgery and has been making slow progress since. The Tigers are determined to look after the 30-year-old, who kicked 63 goals last season and was a key player in their back-to-back flags in 2019-20.
Tom Lynch had surgery on a foot fracture in April.Credit: AFL Photos
Richmond high-performance manager Luke Meehan said no risks would be taken with Lynch, who is contracted at the Tigers until the end of 2025.
“The bone healing process takes time, and we want to be absolutely certain that it is right before we step up Tom’s training load,” Meehan said.
“While we remain hopeful that we can get him back at some stage later in the season, it is still difficult to put an exact timeframe on right now.
“Tom will have another scan on the fracture in a couple of weeks, giving us a much clearer picture.”
Richmond travel to Brisbane to take on the Lions at the Gabba on Thursday night, with Marlion Pickett to return after missing the match against St Kilda. Pickett missed the clash after he was charged with a range of burglary offences in Western Australia. He is determined to defend the charges.
They will be without key on-baller Dion Prestia due to a calf injury as they look to continue their three-match winning run under Andrew McQualter, who took over as caretaker coach when Damien Hardwick stood down.
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