Star Richmond recruit Tom Lynch remains hopeful of running out with his new teammates in round one.
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The former Gold Coast co-captain has never played in front of a bigger crowd than 52,000 (51,774 against West Coast at Perth Stadium last year), but with Carlton and Collingwood awaiting in the first two rounds, he should reach new ground.
Lynch was at Wodonga Sports Leisure Centre on Tuesday as part of Richmond's community camp on the Border and revealed he has been stepping up his intensity at training after off-season knee surgery.
"I've been in and out of drills at the moment and started my competitive work last week," Lynch said.
"I knew when I had the surgery it was going to be a long time and I had to be patient with it.
"Richmond have been really good and said take it slow, it's not about getting right straight away as you've got a long future ahead."
But Lynch wasn't in a position to guarantee he'll be a starter in round one.
"If I answer honestly, I'm not sure at the moment, I'll be very close," he added.
"I haven't played many games at the 'G', so it will be pretty exciting playing out there in round one a Thursday night against Carlton."
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He's looking to forge a partnership up forward with three-time Coleman Medallist and All-Australian Jack Riewoldt.
"Jack is a great guy and a great leader of our footy club," Lynch said.
"It will be great to learn off him and play alongside him, I'm really looking forward to that partnership."
Lynch was also quizzed about whether he felt for his former club.
"I think I'm pretty worried about being at Richmond at the moment, I don't think you can worry about other clubs and what they're doing," Lynch said.
"I've been solely-focused on my knee and getting right and trying to be the best player I can for Richmond."
Richmond had open training at Martin Park on Tuesday morning and will continue to prepare for the club's opening pre-season clash against Melbourne at Shepparton on Sunday.
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