COLLINGWOOD has confirmed that it has signed West Coast premiership player Quinten Lynch.
The 29-year-old has joined the Magpies as an unrestricted free agent.
"So many things appealed to me about the move," Lynch said.
"It was exciting to think that I could play for the biggest club in the game and challenge myself at the same time to play a flexible role, which is what we have discussed.
"The idea of playing on the MCG every second week was really attractive, too.
"I'm a life member of West Coast and I'll always think well of the club.
"So I hope everyone there understands that joining Collingwood was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.
"The chance to reinvigorate and extend my career in Melbourne, with Collingwood, I had to take."
A 192cm ruckman/forward, Lynch made 21 appearances for West Coast during the club's 2012 campaign, kicking three or more goals on six occasions.
But his season ended in disappointing fashion when he failed to have an impact during the semi-final loss to Collingwood and ended the game in the substitute's vest.
"We're extremely happy to have Quinten with us," Collingwood football director Geoff Walsh said.
"Another strong-bodied marking target up forward will really suit the Collingwood game and Quinten can also play in the ruck.
"And we know very well how valuable a player is who can play those two roles.
"Quinten, with his manager Colin Young, presented a hunger for a new start with Collingwood.
"He was a good fit for us and keen. We think he will do very well."
Recruited from WAFL club West Perth, Lynch made his debut for West Coast in 2002.
Since then he has played 209 games.
Runner-up in the Eagles' best and fairest award in 2008, Lynch was the club's leading goalkicker in the 2006 and '07 seasons, with 65 and 52 goals respectively.
Before agreeing to join the Magpies, Lynch was linked with Carlton and Melbourne, who are also expected active players during the Gillette AFL Free Agency Period.
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