'The dream': AFL world erupts over Lynch's incredible start
Tom Lynch’s much hyped move to Richmond has paid immediate dividends, with a sweet moment for the star lighting up social media.
The former Gold Coast Suns superstar’s trade to the Tigers was one of the biggest talking points in the AFL off-season.
Many fans wondered how the 26-year-old would fit in a star-studded Richmond forward line that already included Dustin Martin and Jack Riewoldt.
It took the Tigers’ prized recruit no time at all to provide an emphatic answer to the concerns and stamp his mark against Carlton in the season’s opening game at the MCG.
Lynch launched himself through a pack of players to take an inside-50 mark, before claiming the honour of booting the first goal of the new campaign.
“It’s the fairytale come true,” Bruce McAvaney said in commentary for Channel Seven.
Viewers were equally as excited for the new Tiger on social media.
TOM LYNCH!
A perfect start for the new Tiger.#AFLBluesTigers pic.twitter.com/k90Qo3lZQh
— AFL (@AFL) March 21, 2019
WORTH IT ALREADY I LOVE LYNCH #gotiges
— Bulk Chobani Flipper (@cbrooks_91) March 21, 2019
If Riewoldt doesn’t get you, Lynch will. RIP rest of the competition. #AFLBluesTigers
— Charlotte Corday (@C_Corday) March 21, 2019
Welcome to the yellow and black Tom Lynch 🐯 #AFLBluesTigers
— Ravin Wijeyeratne (@ravinwije) March 21, 2019
The DREAM start for Tom Lynch.
The gun Richmond recruit has kicked the first goal of the 2019 premiership season!#AFLBluesTigers
— 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) March 21, 2019
Lynch first goal of the 2019 season. Oh boy! #AFLBluesTigers
— Josh White (@whitie007) March 21, 2019
Tom Lynch kicking the first goal of the season is so fitting. #gotiges
— James Moody (@moody_talks) March 21, 2019
Tom Lynch with the first goal of the year, whose writing this stuff? #AFLBluesTigers
— Dylan Carmody (@dylcarmody77) March 21, 2019
Lynch kicking the first goal haha what a scene
— Ye Mags (@melly300313) March 21, 2019
Lynch what a start!!
— dylan h (@dylanph22) March 21, 2019
The Tigers kicked another three unanswered goals to jump out to a commanding early lead against last season’s strugglers.
Lynch then added a second goal before the end of the first quarter to leave the Blues reeling.
By the end of the first stanza the Tigers were in cruise control, leading 5.4 (34) to 0.1 (1).