Forward Tom Lynch says he was happy to start as the substitute in his first game for the Crows on Saturday, adding he was thrilled just to receive an opportunity to play only his seventh AFL game.
A former first-round draft pick, Lynch requested a trade to Adelaide last October after being limited to six games in three years at St Kilda.
The lively 21-year-old impressed as a third-tall forward throughout the Crows’ pre-season campaign and was rewarded with selection in the round one team to play Gold Coast.
He started in the green vest in his Adelaide debut - but just as he did in the NAB Cup Grand Final against West Coast - made an impact when he was subbed into the game at the expense of the injured Ricky Henderson after half-time.
Lynch generated three scoring opportunities in the second half, including a classy right-foot goal from the boundary line in the final quarter.
“I was just happy to play my part within the side,” Lynch said on Sunday.
“It’s such a tough gig [breaking into the team] at the moment because everyone is fit and firing, so any way possible to get me into the side, I’ll be happy with.”
Lynch was advantaged by the lop-sided inside50m count at Metricon Stadium, which saw the Crows dominate the forward line entries 73 to 43.
Tall targets Taylor Walker (5.2) and Kurt Tippett (4.3) were the biggest beneficiaries, combining for nine of Adelaide’s 19 goals.
“Kurt and Taylor have been in fantastic form all pre-season and it was no different yesterday,” Lynch said.
“They’ve got a great chemistry together.
“Everyone (up the ground) is also playing some pretty good football, going nice and direct to them.
“I think they’re enjoying it and we are too.”
Rick Henderson was the only casualty of the Crows’ 69-point win over the Suns.
Henderson sustained a knock to his head in a heavy collision with Gold Coast midfielder Michael Rischitelli in the second quarter.
He was taken from the ground on a stretcher, but was cleared of any serious damage and will be assessed during the week ahead of the Club’s first home game of the season against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.
“Hendo’s pulled up really well and is in good spirits,” Lynch said.
“If he has a good week on the track he might be okay (to play).
“It just all comes down to how he’s feeling.
“He woke up this morning feeling really good, so fingers crossed he’s going to be okay.”
The Bulldogs were impressive in the first half of their clash with West Coast at Etihad Stadium on Sunday before fading after the main break and eventually going down by 49 points.
Lynch said his team was expecting a tough game against the Dogs.
“The whole competition has really improved a lot, so we have to be improving with it,” he said.
“This week is going to be another really important game.
“We watched some of the Bulldogs game against West Coast on the plane home and they played some really good football.
“It’s another big game and hopefully we can keep our winning ways going.”
