The Gold Coast SUNS wish to advise the club has decided not to match the offer presented to Restricted Free Agent Tom Lynch. 

Gold Coast CEO Mark Evans confirmed the club wrestled with the decision over the weekend.

“While we would all much rather retain Tom, the mechanics of Free Agency and the level of compensation we receive would suggest this is the best course of action for us at this point in time,” Evans said. 

Evans thanked Lynch for his contribution to the club over the past eight years.

“Tom’s contribution to our club has been significant, as a two-time Best & Fairest winner, All Australian and Captain he will always be welcomed back at the Suns,” Evans added.

“We understand the current free agency system is part of the AFL landscape, we respect Tom’s decision and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

The SUNS will receive selection 3 in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft as compensation for Lynch.