MELBOURNE - Superstar forward Tom Lynch says he is excited and ready to go heading into the first finals campaign of his nine-year career.
Lynch has become an important part of the Tigers since his high-profile move from Gold Coast last offseason, helping Richmond secure an all-important top-four slot despite his forward line counterpart Jack Riewoldt missing more than half the season through injury.
The pair say they have worked hard on their chemistry off the field and are really starting to click on the park.
"It's been great playing with Jack, it's been great since he came back (from injury) and it's great to see him playing well. Our relationship has really grown, every week we're better at working out where each other is," Lynch said on Thursday ahead of the Tigers' qualifying final against Brisbane at the Gabba.
Lynch has made an immediate impact at his new club despite a limited pre-season following knee surgery that ended his 2018 early. He has played all 22 games and kicked 54 goals.
Riewoldt spoke glowingly of the impact of Lynch has made at Punt Road in his first season.
"I've enjoyed playing alongside Tom for the fact that he's a great footballer and great person, he's added to our group not only on the field but especially off the field, I'm enjoying seeing the improvement over the year," Riewoldt said.
"The way he's been able to evolve our forward line and our group is a credit to him as a person and a footballer."
Despite Riewoldt's four-goal domination of Marcus Adams in Round 23, the long-time Tiger said he still expected Brisbane's No. 1 one defender, All-Australian fullback Harris Andrews, to go to Lynch on Saturday night.
Whether Riewoldt lines up against Adams or Darcy Gardiner this time around, he is expecting a tougher battle but may receive more forward help from the potential return of Toby Nankervis.
Nankervis has played only one match at AFL level since injuring his adductor in Round 8 but is underrated as forward and is "made for finals football" according to Riewoldt.
"'Nank' is a contested beast and if he does ruck alongside Ivan Soldo, they will each bring different strengths and make a great team."
The ruckman backed up a best-on-ground performance in the VFL last weekend by participating in full training on Thursday and looks ready to play if selected.