STUART Dew had no problem with Tom Lynch's actions on Monday night, describing his contest with Gold Coast fullback Sam Collins as a "good battle".
Lynch, who captained the Suns and played eight seasons for the club, copped two separate $1000 fines from the Match Review Officer following Richmond's 21-point win.
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The first came for a third-quarter strike on Gold Coast co-captain Jarrod Witts, with the second for a final-term strike on Collins that allowed Lynch the space to take an easy chest mark and kick a crucial goal.
On Wednesday, Suns coach Dew wasn't buying into the discussion about Lynch's behaviour.
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"He's trying to kick goals and he's playing on a player who's trying to stop him, that's the competitive nature of the game. I think it was a good battle," Dew said.
"I'm looking at it as how did Sam play, and I thought he did a really good job.
"Tom took a couple of chances as well, so I'm sure Damien (Hardwick) says Tom played his role and we think Sam did a really good job on him as well."
Post-match footage captured Collins stalking around Gold Coast's dressing-room, thumping a padded post in disappointment.
Dew said it typified the nature of the 26-year-old backline leader.
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"He's competitive and letting off a bit of steam," Dew said.
"He was disappointed to lose, he'd be disappointed to give up a couple of goals. He loves the club, he wants us to go well.
"It just shows how much it means to him and how important footy is to him and the result. He's got absolute pride in his performance, and it'd be great if a lot more were like that."
Another Sun with a similar mindset is co-captain David Swallow, who will play his 150th career game on Friday night against Carlton after being rested against the Tigers.
Gold Coast's inaugural No.1 draft pick will become the club's second playing life member – alongside Jarrod Harbrow – once it is ratified by the Suns' board.
"In simple terms, he's a ripping bloke who does anything he can for you on the field," Dew said.
