Adelaide forward Tom Lynch believes the Crows’ off-season effort will pay off after last year’s disappointing results. 

“We had an extended offseason and guys weren’t able to go away… so a fair few of them trained together,” he said. 

“We’re training some fierce footy at the moment and the guys are in really good shape.”

The forward, who has played nearly 150 games for the Club, said some fresh faces in the coaching line-up have helped rejuvenate the group. 

Highly-regarded Geelong mentor James Rahilly came to West Lakes after serving on Chris Scott’s Grand Final coaching panel in 2020. 

The 28-year-old also heaped praise on development coach Matthew Wright. 

“Rahilly has come in and provided a great amount of learning and teaching,” Lynch said. 

“And Wright’s also doing an amazing job with the forwards.”

Lynch said Thursday’s match simulation showed a lot to like, particularly in front of goal. 

But when it comes to a Darcy Fogarty-Taylor Walker face-off, he didn’t believe it was a matter of one or the other. 

“They both certainly can play together and perform really well,” Lynch said. 

“There’s a lot of competition for spots, which we like, and these are the opportunities to put your best foot forward.

“We don’t know (the best mix) right now, but I think it will be ever-evolving."