Alastair Lynch is a former AFL footballer, author, television commentator and businessman who enjoys speaking to multitudes of audiences about his experiences. He is acknowledged as one of AFL’s greats, with a career that spanned over 17 years and consisted of 306 AFL games.
His career began in Tasmania, with his AFL career split between, Fitzroy, Brisbane Bears and Lions. He was a powerhouse full forward and a one-time All Australian fullback, and Lion’s co-captain between 1997-2000.
In late 1994, he suffered a career threatening illness which was later diagnosed as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Not only did he return to the game after missing all but 1 game in 1995, he became an inspiration to those who also suffered from the condition. Feeling inspired after a potential end to his football career, Alastair never took his health or sport for granted again and played some of the best games as the oldest player in the competition.
In three consecutive years, 2001, 2002 and 2003, Alastair was a key member in taking the Brisbane Lions to a 3-peat of AFL premierships. This performance took the Brisbane Lions into the AFL history books and they are regarded as one the best teams of all-time.
He became the 23rd player in AFL history to kick 600 goals, the 43rd player and the 1st Tasmanian to play in 300 AFL games. He also ranks equal 6th in all-time AFL finals goals.
His extensive football resume has been recognised through the renaming of the former William Leitch Medal, to the Alastair Lynch Medal, Tasmania’s highest individual Football honour. He was also chosen in the Fitzroy Team of the Century and the Tasmanian Team of the Century, as well as been inaugurated into the Tasmanian and Queensland Football Hall of Fame.
In 2005, Lynch authored a biography, titled ‘Taking Nothing for granted’, detailing his fight against CFS and his football career.
His business career has been a natural progression for someone with a passion for Health and High Performing Teams… He is a Director of his own Health and Wellbeing Company, an Executive Director of Gravitas Leadership Group, a Director and Board member of the new Tasmanian AFL Football Club, a Director and Board member of Home Front Projects supporting ADF veterans, an Advisory Board member with the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, a part of the College of Health and Medicine at the University of Tasmania, an Ambassador for St.Lukes Health, and a regular presenter within QUT’s Business School.
Alastair’s presentations can cover a variety of topics, all drawing on his personal experiences including his health battle, explaining his physical and mental burn out - later diagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome, his return to full health and how he did it. His time and experience of the evolution of the Brisbane Lions and the Team Work principles they used to be successful. Or a very light-hearted look at the above including his career on and off the field.
The amount of feedback I have received about the information he provided as well as the impression he made with our team was simply unprecedented.
SuncorpAlastair was a wonderful addition to our football line up and held the audience attention brilliantly.
Melbourne Football Club
Excellent. Alastair's presentation was exactly what I wanted and the way he related his story from sporting terms to the business was great.
Westpac