AFL

'Nothing to lose' for Tigers as spearhead makes return

Apr 23, 2026

(L-R) Sam Banks and Tom Lynch. — Winless Richmond are looking forward to Tom Lynch's return for their clash with the Demons. -AAP Image

Tom Lynch will return for Richmond's Anzac Day eve clash against Melbourne, giving the winless Tigers some reprieve from a seemingly endless injury crisis.

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Lynch headlines five changes made by coach Adem Yze, who will also unveil two debutants in their Friday night clash at the MCG.

Sam Cumming, the No.7 in last year's draft, and SSP signing Tom Burton will play in their first AFL game after the Tigers lost another trio of stars in a disastrous 75-point loss to North Melbourne.

Acting captain Tim Taranto was concussed, while Sam Banks dislocated his shoulder and Maurice Rioji Jr hurt his hamstring.

So deep is the club's injury crisis that they have used 34 players across the opening six rounds - the most by any club - one more than Essendon and Carlton before Cumming and Burton's debuts.

Yze said midfielder Jacob Hopper (managed) will be welcomed back alongside recalled Tom Brown.

Lynch's return comes as Richmond (0-6) reckon with their worst start since 2010.

Inaccuracy had cost them against the Kangaroos, kicking 2.12 by halftime before the second-half onslaught.

"He's ready to go. He was almost ready last week," Yze said of Lynch.

"We took that extra week to get another week of training into him.

"We've got a really young forward line at the moment, so to have him down there is, one, important for the leadership down there.

"But his contest and the form he was in before he did hurt himself - he's really strong."

Richmond face a rejuvenated Melbourne side that are riding high after defeating the Brisbane Lions by two points.

The Demons (4-2) are eighth in their first season under Steven King, with premiership defender Jake Bowey on target to play in his first game of the season.

Bowey had undergone surgery for a Lisfranc injury in December, and reaches full fitness as the Dees manage a mysterious health episode suffered by fellow defender Harrison Petty (concussion).

Fellow backman Changkuoth Jiath (calf) and forward Paddy Cross (thumb) also put their hands up.

"It's no secret that they're highly talented," Yze said of Melbourne's side.

"It's a big test for us, on a big stage against a team that's in form, that's just beaten last year's premiers.

"We've got nothing to lose."