Former Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes has launched an attack on wantaway Suns speerhead Tom Lynch, declaring his leadership this season as "one of the most disappointing displays by a captain in recent times".
Cornes questioned Lynch's performance both on and off the field on SEN Mornings, saying both have been poor.
“Tom Lynch’s performance as captain of an AFL club in 2018 has been one of the most disappointing examples of leadership by a captain in recent times,” Cornes told SEN.
“His output on the ground has been underwhelming to say the least.
“Held goalless in three of his 10 games this year, and despite his eight-goal haul against last-placed Carlton in Round 2, he has kicked just 12 goals from the other nine games.
“He’s averaged just two tackles a game and just over one contested mark before a knee injury ended his season.
“Hardly stats worthy of a highly-paid captain, who should be playing life or death football for his struggling club."
Cornes also queried Lynch's desire to lead the club despite wanting to leave at the end of the season and his secret meetings with Collingwood.
“The on-field performance tells only half the tale, most alarming has been his behaviour away from the footy field," Cornes said.
“It’s no secret that Lynch has been thinking about leaving the Suns for some time.
“Why did Lynch accept the captaincy, knowing his main focus this year was working out where his future lied?
“There’s little doubt that he’s let his teammates down that put their trust in him as the captain of their footy club.
“It’s also unfathomable that the skipper, whilst in Melbourne rehabbing his knee, was caught out for the second time that we know of, meeting with one of his suitors, Collingwood.
“The fact his current club, the one he’s captain of, knew nothing about.
“2018 has been a poor example of leadership from Lynch in every way.”
