Tom Lynch will lead the Gold Coast against Brisbane in Townsville this Sunday.  

The 21-year-old was recently voted into the club’s new six-man leadership group alongside David Swallow and Dion Prestia, having emerged as a future figurehead during the Gold Coast’s annual high altitude camp in Arizona.

Speaking exclusively with goldcoastfc.com.au after, Lynch said he was excited to be given the opportunity to captain the side in the absence of star midfielder Gary Ablett.

“It is a privilege, and a great opportunity to lead the side against Brisbane this weekend, and a challenge I am very much looking forward too,” he said.

The 199cm forward played his first competitive match on Monday night since missing the final 10 games of the 2013 Season with posterior cruciate ligament damage to his right knee. 

He formed a potent offensive attack alongside Sam Day and Charlie Dixon against the Bombers, and the Gold Coast trio will be out to exploit the Lion’s backline, after the opposition’s defensive structures leaked a whopping 23 goals to Hawthorn last week. 

Lynch says the players are ready to match the Lion’s expected intensity around the contested football. 

“We have been really increasing our training load this pre-season, and it really showed in our performances against Essendon.

“We were able to run out the game, which has given us great confidence leading into our match against the Lions.

“It is shaping up to be another tough test for us, but we are more than ready for the challenge.”