Richmond manager Damien Hardwick has beaten up Tom Lynch’s critics when the Tigers’ forward came under fire in recent games.
The 27-year-old was hit with two $ 1,000 fines for beating Sam Collins and Jarrod Witts in the Tigers’ win over Gold Coast on Monday – a penalty imposed after being fined in Round 10 for shoving the head of Brisbane star Alex Witherden into the ground.
Lynch was also ridiculed for pretending to circumcise Collins just so the Suns defender wouldn’t flinch at all.
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Brisbane Lions midfielder Mitch Robinson called Lynch a “w *** er” who “clears my head” while the great David Schwarz of Melbourne said on 3AW radio that he would “grab his neck if.” he would be my opponent “.
Hardwick stood up for his player and hit back with his own fiery spray.
“I thought going on was totally over the top, to be fair,” Hardwick told reporters.
“Such things happen 400 times in the game, but for some reason we all follow Tom Lynch.
“I found it disappointing, especially from some of the (past) players who made comments. David Schwarz was completely exaggerated.
“They are there to provide comments, but let’s make sure we spread the load and not just targeting Richmond players.
“He’s not particularly proud of what he did to young Witherden and over the weekend, but the reality is that these things happen from time to time.
“Let’s not define a person’s character by that one event. Let’s look at a work phase. This guy is incredibly brave in the field, he jumps in packs, he bravely jumps back. “
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Hardwick’s response became personal when he saved a special serve for Black.
“When people sit there and say he lacks the courage, it’s completely irresponsible and they lack perspective and they should really look at each other well,” he said.
“I guarantee there are a few players who comment, mostly I see David Schwarz here. I played a big final against this guy and within 20 minutes of the game he was crying. So he should look at it sometime. “
The Richmond mentor then weighed on Robinson’s attack, which he felt was unfounded, as all the players did their best to keep the season going in difficult circumstances amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I have tremendous respect for Mitch and I’m sure he’s probably looking back and it’s probably not the ideal wording,” said Hardwick.
“All the players up here are trying to compete and do their best to get the game going. I don’t think we need players who I think will play against other players, but I’m sure Brisbane will take care of that.
“(Lions Trainer) Chris Fagan is a wonderful friend of mine, a fantastic trainer, and I’m sure he would have given Mitch a quiet word on the way.”
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