Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has leapt to the defence of spearhead Tom Lynch after the prized recruit came in for some stinging criticism following the loss to the Western Bulldogs.
Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd declared Lynch a liability after he was held goalless in the defeat, which made it just one goal from his past three matches.
"I'd love Lloydy to spell the word 'liability' ... it would be interesting, wouldn't it?" Hardwick said on Friday.
"(Lynch is) second in the Coleman last time I looked ... it's easy to sit there behind a keyboard and throw out barbs, isn't it?
"We certainly know what we value Tom for. He's an incredible player for us and he's going to get better.
"We've been down this path before with Dion Prestia, Josh Caddy and Toby Nankervis, they took a little while to come through our system and learn it.
"It's a different system and Tom's adjusting to that."
The Bombers' 2000 premiership reunion could be a slightly awkward affair after Lloyd, who played alongside Hardwick in the grand final win over Melbourne, also suggested Lynch had a similar turning circle to him despite him being in his forties.
The coach was asked if he'd shot his old teammate a text following the broadside.
"No, but I'm happy to shoot Lloydy something else," he replied with a wry smile.
All banter aside, Hardwick did concede that Lynch could be playing better.
However, he added that the posterior cruciate ligament surgery that slowed Lynch's preparation on arrival at Punt Road is still a factor.
"He'll always be working back from that ... it's a significant injury and he missed six months of footy," he said.
"So it does take time. People forget that when you have injuries of a significant nature, it takes time to get back to your absolute best.
"He's working incredibly hard and we're happy with his progress."
The Tigers will look to get back on the winners' list when they travel to Perth to take on Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Sunday, with important defender David Astbury a welcome inclusion.
Daniel Rioli (ribs, thigh) and Nick Vlastuin (ankle) won't make the trip but should press for selection in round nine.
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