Alistair Lynch

Alastair Lynch is a large Australian Football League full forward from Tasmania who has had an unlucky but successful career.

He began his senior footballing at the Fitzroy Lions in 1988. He was an intimidating player in defence even from the beginning with his good marking skill and strength in a tackle. He was not noted for his goal kicking early though, that skill would develop later on.

He moved on from Fitzroy in the early 90's to join the then struggling Brisbane Bears who were coached by Premier ship coach Robert Walls at the time. His contract created at the time was a bench mark with a whopping ten years. There had been no contract like that previously.

Lynch came full of promise to the club but could not deliver his best on most occasions due to severe chronic fatigue syndrome that put him totally out for the entire 1995 season. Critics have been found commenting that if Alastair had of played that season, then the Bears could have won a premiership.

His return the following season was shaky with him playing at full forward and at full back when needed. Tony Lockett quoted that Lynch was one of his toughest ever opponents at full back.

When Fitzroy merged with the Bears in 1997, Lynch was made a Forward at most times but was quiet for the next two seasons due to minor recurrence of his illness.

A new beginning for Lynch and the Lions came in 1999, under champion coach Leigh Matthews. He played some games in defence but overall up at full forward. His goal kicking had improved and his knowledge was unbeatable at most times.

Endured great success for the 2001, 2002, and 2003 seasons becoming a mutiple goal kicker against the games premium full backs Stephen Silvagini, Matthew Scarlett and a pound for pound duel with Shane Wakelin from Collingwood, Brisbane's on going rivals. Lynch now has played in three winning premierships. In 2004, he will become the competitions oldest player (35 years).