“Doubts” over Lynch’s availability as Hawkins labelled a “long shot” for Round 1

Channel Seven’s Mitch Cleary doubts that Tom Lynch will be available for Richmond’s Round 1 clash against Carlton.

While the Tigers are hoping Lynch will be available for the March 16 clash at the MCG, Cleary isn’t so sure as he’s yet to see the star tall join in match play this summer.

Richmond have confirmed that Lynch has begun working on light drills with the team, but after having surgery to relieve plantar fasciitis, Cleary isn’t certain he’ll be ready to go for the season opener.

“I’ve still got my doubts (on Lynch’s availability),” Cleary told SEN Sportsday.

“I haven’t seen him as part of match play just yet and we’re getting pretty close now.

“He’s been on the outer wing at Punt Road for most of the pre-season after surgery in November, it was to relieve some plantar fasciitis pain he had.

“So, I’ve got my doubt around Tom Lynch.”

After kicking 63 goals from 19 games in 2022, Cleary does expect Lynch to make an “instant impact” once he is deemed fit.

“He has proven previously that when he does get fit, he can make an instant impact,” Cleary said.

“So, I’d watch for him in the early rounds to come into Richmond’s best team.”

Another star forward that’s in serious doubt for Round 1 is Geelong’s Tom Hawkins.

The veteran underwent foot surgery in December after carrying the injury through the finals and Cleary believes it’s a long shot that he’ll line up to face Collingwood at the MCG on March 17 as he continues to recover.

“The other one at Geelong is Tom Hawkins, I think it’s a long shot now that he plays,” Cleary said.

“They say he has been running, I haven’t seen it with my own eyes.

“They don’t really let us into training, but he has been away from the main group for most of pre-season.

“So, I think it’s a long shot that Tom Hawkins will be there for Round 1 against Collingwood.”