Adelaide forward Tom Lynch was desperate for senior opportunities in 2011.
The St Kilda draftee had played just six games in three years in Melbourne, kept out of the side by a group making Grand Finals.
With one year remaining on his Saints contract, Lynch was open to moving to a new club.
“I was stoked to be drafted and for it to be the team (St Kilda) I supported growing up,” Lynch told The Optus Crows Show.
“I was just looking for more opportunities… I was finding it hard to break into the team.
“But I had so many valuable lessons at St Kilda, thanks to leaders like Nick Riewoldt, Nick Dal Santo and Lenny Hayes.
“They taught me how to work hard and are memories that have helped throughout my football career.”
Eventually, a few connections in Adelaide made the Crows seem very appealing for the 21-year-old.
“I knew a few guys (at the Crows)... Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane, Shaun McKernan,” Lynch said.
“I also had a good relationship with Hamish Ogilvie, so I wanted to come over and see what it was all about.
“I fell in love with the place.
“As grateful as I was to St Kilda, this is certainly home.”
The final deal involved ruckman Ivan Maric heading to Richmond and St Kilda securing pick 37 in the 2011 National Draft.
Then General Manager - Football Operations Phil Harper said the trade became a win-win-win for all parties involved.
“Ivan (Maric) was looking for more opportunity as well… Sam Jacobs had just come in for us,” Harper said.
“The trade got Ivan where he wanted to go, Tom where he wanted to go and St Kilda got compensation.
“That trade was definitely a win.”
Also on The Optus Crows Show this week, young defender Andrew McPherson discusses his debut in Round Six and Shane McAdam details his opening weeks of senior footy.
The Optus Crows Show airs on Channel 7 in Adelaide on Sunday at 3pm (ACST).
Interstate fans can catch the full episode on afc.com.au shortly after.
