GOLD COASTER Tom Lynch is set to be closely monitored by the club’s medical staff after going down mid-way through the second quarter with a knee injury during the side’s Saturday night blockbuster against Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

Lynch required immediate medical attention after a collision in air against Bomber Jake Melksham, and although the 199cm key forward did his best to return to the field of play, senior coach Guy McKenna was eventually forced to activate substitute Jack Hutchins into the contest.

The exciting key-position player has been in superb form in recent weeks, taking a game-high 4 marks inside-50 against the Kangaroos and has tallied a total of eight goals since his Round 5 return against the GWS Giants.