A remarkable 10 goal-haul against Greater Western Sydney helped Tom Lynch secure Adelaide’s Leading Goalkicker Award.
At Skoda Stadium in Round Seven, Lynch became only the third Crow behind Tony Modra and Scott Hodges to kick 10 (or more) goals in a game, earning the nickname ’10-goal Tommy’.
The performance earned Lynch a maximum eight votes from the Adelaide coaches – one of only three perfect scores for the season. His 10 goals was also the highest goalkicking return from any AFL player in Season 2013.
“That day was very surreal … it was a bit weird how everything fell into place,” Lynch said.
In his second year at Adelaide, Lynch consolidated his place in the team in 2013. The 22-year-old stood up in the absence of injured spearhead Taylor Walker, kicking 33 goals in 17 (consecutive) games before a foot injury put a premature end to his season after Round 21.
A tireless worker, Lynch presented strongly to take a Club-high 125 marks. The former Saint also ranked No.1 at Adelaide in scoreboard impact, generating 24 score assists to go with his 33 goals and 22 behinds.
Lynch, who finished 9th in the Crows Club Champion award, said he felt part of the Club after two years in Adelaide.
“I was at St Kilda for three years and was finding it a bit tough,” he said.
“I met with Sando one morning in Southbank and as soon as I came over here, the boys and the Club embraced me. I’m really enjoying my time here. I would’ve liked to play more than six games last year, but the team was fantastic.
“Hopefully, this year I’ve put a few steps in place to keep improving my football in the years to come.”
Patrick Dangerfield threatened to snatch the 2013 leading goalkicker award from his best mate in the final round, but fell two goals short of equalling Lynch’s season tally.
Dangerfield finished the year on 31 goals ahead of promising tall Josh Jenkins (24), who was also in the hunt until breaking his leg in Round 18. Midfielder Richard Douglas finished fourth on 20 goals and Andy Otten, who kicked nine goals in his last four games, on 15.
