He may have been anointed as a future leader of the football club by his coach on the weekend, but Gold Coast star forward Tom Lynch says that whilst he did enjoy the captaincy against West Coast, he has a lot to learn when it comes to leadership. Although it is an area of his game he is developing.
 
During a tumultuous season at Metricon Stadium, arrows have been fired from well outside the four walls, aimed sharply at leadership issues at the SUNS, or lack thereof. But since the arrival of Rodney Eade last November, Gold Cost has gone about placing a much larger emphasis on developing a leadership program that will equip the franchise club with a sturdy foundation for future years.
 
“I enjoyed it on the weekend, but I think I’ve still got a long way to go. I’ve been in the leadership group for two years now, I’ve still got a lot to learn and a lot to improve on,” Lynch told reporters on Monday afternoon.
 
“I enjoyed being the captain when 'Rischa' and obviously Gaz was out. I think they’re both doing a great job. [Michael] Rischitelli stepped up in Gaz’s absence.”
 
For the second consecutive week, Lynch produced a performance that placed him front and centre on the competition’s agenda. Being away from football dominant states can ensure the outside universe predominantly focuses on the misdemeanours and problems, rather than delving a little deeper to find the nuggets of gold.
 
With West Coast destined for a deep date in September, not many pundits gave Gold Coast a chance of running anywhere near the Eagles on Saturday night. So, to produce a draw, despite a vast gulf in personnel was exceptional. And somewhat indicative of the gains the SUNS have made during a tough year.
 
“We feel like we’re making massive inroads, not only in game plan, but in leadership. It’s hard for the fans to see that at the moment with only the two wins this year, but we feel like we’re growing,” Lynch said.
 
“(We’re) making massive strides with guys under us like [Kade] Kolodjashnij’s really stepped up, Touk Miller as a first-year player has been great. I think we are making big strides in that area. Hopefully we’ll improve a bit more and then get to next pre-season and go from there.”
 
Lynch’s goal in the dying seconds to level the score and force a draw against the second placed Eagles was symbolic of his emergence as a leader. When the game was there to be salvaged, he not only plucked a game-breaking grab, he then went back with supreme confidence to kick a goal that reeked of pure clutch.
 
At the other end of the ground, another player who Eade and the SUNS can confidently build a side around – both in terms of ability and leadership – is Steven May. Since returning from suspension in round nine, the Northern Territorian has recaptured the form that saw him put his hand up as one of the best young defenders in the game last year.
 
May arrived at the club as a forward after playing there for the majority of his life, but in the last two seasons he has found a home in defence and looked like he’s lived there all his life. Lynch identified his on-field guidance as a key pillar in the SUNS’ direction moving forward.
 
“'Maysie’s' grown in the last year or two into a leader for us on the field. He really demands from the full back line, he gets up on the mids if they’re not doing the right job,” Lynch said.
 
“He’s in great form at the moment, he’s playing good footy. Josh Kennedy’s a great player – one of the best forwards in the competition – he did a good job on him.
 
“Hopefully he finishes off the season well, he’s been in great form since the bye.”