Adelaide forward Tom Lynch has signed a three-year deal, gifting the Crows’ floundering AFL season a badly-needed boost.
The 27-year-old link man was out of contract at the end of the season and Victorian clubs, including his old side St Kilda, were circling.
The news is timely, with Adelaide mired in a four-game losing streak and 11th on the ladder as they come out of the bye.
A woeful run of injuries prompted changes to their training program and there are continued rumblings in the wake of a controversial pre-season training camp.
With Lynch locked away until 2021, the Crows’ two main priorities now will be vice-captain Rory Sloane and forward Mitch McGovern.
Sloane becomes a restricted free agent at the end of the season, while there is speculation that McGovern might try to break his contract and head to Victoria.
Lynch is in Adelaide’s leadership group and captained them for the first time in round nine.
He has made the initial All-Australian squad of 40 for the last two seasons.
Lynch has played 115 AFL games, including six for the Saints.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club since arriving here at the end of 2011 and am excited to continue to call Adelaide home,” Lynch said.
“I’ve made some life-long friends since then and every day I’m surrounded by a committed playing and coaching group who are always trying to get better.”
The relief among the Crows was clear in their media release.
“Tom is an important member of our playing group and to have him sign on for a further three years is a significant boost,” said Crows list manager Justin Reid.
“He has taken his game to another level in recent seasons.”
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