We continue our special post-season series revealing the thoughts of Richmond’s latest premiership heroes on that wonderful one day in September 2019. Today, star key forward recruit Tom Lynch gives his insight into the Tigers’ glorious triumph.
Arriving at Tigerland
“The boys have been so supportive of me. Day one when I walked through the door, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys, how quickly they embraced me. I felt a part of it really quickly, which was awesome. Dimma and Andrew McQualter were awesome support, alongside Jack (Riewoldt) who was helping me out so much.”
First finals series
“It was my first finals series, so the first prelim I’d played in and I was pretty excited. But I had a sense that there was one week to go. Before playing (the preliminary final), I thought if I was ever lucky enough to play in a prelim I’d just be so excited. There was definitely that, but also that 'the job’s not done yet, we’ve still got another week.'”
Grand Final lead-up
“Leading into the game, the parade was pretty cool, it was pretty good fun. There were people everywhere and the Tiger Army. There was a fair bit of normality to (the week) even though the schedule was a little bit different.”
The big game itself
“Collectively, it was the best game we played all year and I reckon every player in the 22 just played really well and performed their role. It was cool to kick a goal and hear the roar.”
Emotions in the fourth quarter
“When we kicked a couple of goals in the last, and when Cotchy (Trent Cotchin) kicked that goal, it was probably my favourite moment of the game. It was just amazing, that roar when he kicked the goal.”
The last 10 minutes
“We were smiling a bit in that last 10 minutes, I reckon everyone would have had a smile on their face…I was looking around and we were so happy.”
At the final siren
“I was in the forward 50 and I ran over to Dusty and Jack, they were already on the ground. I got over there and jumped on top of them but then Stacky came from nowhere, he got there so quickly, it was pretty cool.”
