TOM LYNCH is officially a Tiger.
Richmond tabled a seven-year offer for the restricted free agent last Friday and Gold Coast declined to match the offer by Monday's 1.30pm AEDT deadline.
The Suns have received a first-round pick (currently No.3) as compensation.
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Lynch, who turns 26 at the end of the month, is one of the best key forwards in the competition.
The reoccurrence of a knee injury required surgery in July and ended his season early.
He expects to be fit for the JLT Community Series.
"We're pleased to welcome Tom to our football club," football manager Neil Balme told richmondfc.com.au.
"Tom is clearly a talented footballer, but he also has great leadership qualities and a strong work ethic.
"At only 25 years of age, he is an exciting prospect and has many years of good football ahead of him.
"I, like many of our fans, look forward to seeing Tom in yellow and black."
A dual best and fairest winner at the Suns, Lynch has booted 254 goals throughout his 131-game career.
He slotted 66 goals in a career-best 2016 campaign, when the Victorian was named in his only All Australian side.
Gold Coast CEO Mark Evans said the compensation was too hard to turn down.
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"While we would all much rather retain Tom, the mechanics of free agency and the level of compensation we receive would suggest this is the best course of action for us at this point in time," Evans told goldcoastfc.com.au.
"Tom's contribution to our club has been significant, as a two-time best and fairest winner, All Australian and captain, he will always be welcomed back at the Suns.
"We understand the current free agency system is part of the AFL landscape, we respect Tom's decision and wish him and his family all the best for the future."
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Lynch will be hoping to experience September action for the first time in his career next year.
He was originally drafted at No.11 in 2010.
