Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick has responded to the suggestion the Suns should look to sign Richmond veteran Tom Lynch, while clapping back at another of his ex-Tigers who had some criticism of Suns spearhead Ben King.
Richmond champion turned AFL analyst Jack Riewoldt suggested earlier this week that King won't be an impactful asset come finals, despite the Suns being in line for a maiden September showing and King's 35 goals for the year.
Riewoldt won three premierships under Hardwick at Punt Road, being the main man in attack during the Tigers' golden era.
Knowing how he helped Riewoldt become he player he did, as well as the situation King finds himself in, Hardwick stressed his confidence in King being an integral player should they make finals.
"Just remember, Jack, I made you a finals player and I'll make this kid a finals player as well," Hardwick said.
"I think Ben will rise to the occasion. He's the first to put up his hand. He's not playing as well as he can at the moment, but some of that is on me.
"I think I've got to sit there and take some responsibility for his kid to work with him a little bit harder and get him easier ball.
"We've got two other 19-year-old key position players, so there's a fair load on Ben's shoulders. He's battling his backside off.
"He'll get through this, he'll become a better player, and we're very confident this kid is built for finals footy."
Riewoldt went on to suggest the Tigers should consider making a move for Lynch, who is off-contract with the Tigers and would be an ideal fit for the Suns, who he played for between 2011-2018.
Quizzed on the idea of looking to reunite with the key forward, Hardwick quickly hosed down any suggestion of the sort.
"Tom Lynch is always a phone call," Hardwick laughed.
"No, he's one of those guys who I think are pretty content to finish their career at Tigerland. He's got a beautiful house, beautiful partner down there.
"I'm pretty sure he'll finish his career at Tigerland. He's a wonderful man, though."
The Suns sit outside the eight with games in hand of those above them, with their next assignment coming on Saturday when they face Melbourne at Carrara.