'Liability': AFL legend's massive sledge for gun recruit

AFL legend Matthew Lloyd has pulled no punches in a scathing assessment of superstar Richmond Tigers signing Tom Lynch.

Lynch was held goalless in the Tigers' 47-point defeat by the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night, leaving him with just one goal from his past three matches.

His five possessions were the fewest of any player on the ground and he struggled to have an impact in the air matched up on Bulldogs veteran Jackson Trengove.

Lynch's current form is in stark contrast to a stellar opening month after his move from Gold Coast when he booted 16 goals in four games.

The former Essendon Bombers star forward said Lynch was “a liability” for the Tigers.

“He’s a massive concern,” Lloyd said on 3AW.

“He’s turning like I would as a 41 year-old. That’s a big sledge.”

Lloyd compared Lynch’s output to that of GWS Giants star Jeremy Cameron, arguably the top key forward in the competition at present.

The player-turned-commentator said Lynch needed to do more outside of his comfort zone.

“Unless he can mark it or get it lace out, he’s a liability,” he said.

“Unless he marks the ball, he’s not effective as an AFL player.”

Lynch, who underwent knee surgeries in June and November last year, joined Richmond on a heavily back-ended seven-year deal.

The 26-year-old will be paid roughly $500,000 for each of the next three years.

Hardwick preaches patience with Lynch

Before Lloyd took aim at Lynch, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick urged fans to be patient.

"It does take a player moving from a club a little bit of time," Hardwick said.

"We've seen it before with Dion (Prestia) and Josh (Caddy). It probably takes seven or eight weeks for them to get some momentum.

"I know he had some success early, but we expect that to gel a little bit better over time.

"... I wouldn't say he's down on confidence, we probably didn't help him out with our delivery inside 50."

The coach admitted injuries in the forward half might have played a role in Lynch's recent struggles as he learns a different system and builds chemistry with new teammates.

Jack Riewoldt's absence is the most relevant, a fractured wrist suffered in round two and a knee injury sustained in round six keeping the veteran to just three games this season.

Daniel Rioli (thigh) and Nick Vlastuin (ankle) are in danger of joining a growing injury list at Punt Road that includes skipper Trent Cotchin (hamstring), Alex Rance (knee), Jack Graham (hamstring), David Astbury (ankle) and Shaun Grigg (knee, hip).

"I wouldn't mind some consistency and a bit of luck along the way would be nice," Hardwick said of his club's injury woes.

WITH AAP