Lynch, aged 25, announced his early retirement last August due to persistent concussion issues, concluding his seven-year career after just 11 games. Now, the former Albury player is poised to return to his former club as a full-time senior coach for the Tigers starting next year, adding to his burgeoning coaching credentials following a role with Hawthorn’s AFLW program.
This week, Albury unveiled a succession plan that appoints Lynch to lead the Ovens and Murray League, taking over from former GWS, Richmond, and Gold Coast player Anthony Miles and co-coach Shaun Daly for the next three years.
“The Albury Tigers Club is pleased to announce upcoming changes to our coaching staff for the 2025 season,” a club statement read. “Senior co-coaches Anthony Miles and Shaun Daly will step down at the end of the 2024 season. We will duly acknowledge, appreciate, and celebrate the accomplishments of these two exceptional individuals once our 2024 season concludes, anticipating their continued presence at Tigerland in the years ahead.”
The statement continued, “The Albury Tigers are thrilled to welcome former Collingwood and Hawthorn player Max Lynch as Senior Coach starting in 2025.”
Max and the club have demonstrated their commitment by agreeing to a three-year coaching tenure, ensuring stability for players, members, and sponsors.
Lynch commenced his AFL journey as a Rookie Draft selection for Collingwood in 2016, appearing in three games over five years in black and white. He then moved to Hawthorn ahead of the 2022 season, contributing in eight games under Sam Mitchell before announcing his retirement last year.
Albury currently stands sixth on the O&MFL ladder, with an even record of five wins and five losses from ten matches.