Only Lynch and those closest to him knew of the enormous battle he fought to stay alive as an AFL footballer through the darkest hours of his Chronic Fatigue Syndrome affliction.
He overcame that adversity and established himself as one of the competition’s most powerful full-forwards. He later went on to become the greatest goal-kicker in the Club’s history.
But in the lead-up to the 2001 Grand Final, Lynch also had to survive the anguish of missing the Preliminary Final through suspension before getting to that one day in September.
Opposed to Essendon full-back Dustin Fletcher in the premiership decider, Lynch booted two goals and four behinds. It could easily have been six.
But his second goal on the stroke of the half-time siren stemmed the flow of Essendon goals and brought his side to within a manageable 14 points by the main break. It provided the momentum that the Lions needed to boot six third quarter goals to the Bombers’ one.
It was therefore fitting that Lynch - the oldest member of the premiership side and the player who had travelled down the longest and bumpiest road to glory - had the ball in his hands when the siren sounded.
It remains one of the lasting images from the 2001 AFL Season - Lynch thrusting the ball skyward in pure elation.
Please note that entries into the 2001 Premiership Anniversary competition have officially closed.
Some of the more entertaining Grand Final stories from fans will be posted online this Friday while the entry judged best overall will receive two (2) free tickets to the Premiership Anniversary & Season Launch function on Friday 18 March.
The Club would like to thank everybody who took time to submit their own memories from the 2011 Grand Final online over the past two weeks.
For more information about the Premiership Anniversary & Season Launch event, please click here
