AFL trade news: Cornes names perfect club for Crows veteran

“To develop these younger players and slot into that forward line as a bigger body for the next two years would be an excellent option.”

Alex Caiafa

STAFF WRITER | July 30, 2021 - 10:30am

Kane Cornes believes Adelaide forward Tom Lynch would be a great pickup for North Melbourne and is a player the club should be targeting should he be moved on from the Crows.

Lynch, 30, is a free agent at season's end and with reports that he will not be offered a new contract by the Crows, Lynch could find himself on the lookout for a new club.

Speaking on SEN, Cornes said the addition of Lynch to North Melbourne would add valuable experience on and off the field.

“The difficulty with rebuilding is that you still need a number of experienced players and bigger bodies. That’s why Ben Cunnington is so important to what they do,” Cornes said.

TRADE NEWS: Suns midfielder tipped to depart

“You can get Tom Lynch for nothing from the Crows.

“Tom Lynch has been injured for the majority of the year. He’s had a sore foot and has had an operation, clearly out of favour at Adelaide with the direction they’re going in. They’re probably not going to offer him a new contract.

“North Melbourne could get him for nothing in terms of what you’re going to pay for him – it’s not going to be significant – you don’t have to give up a draft pick for him.

“He’s 30 years of age and to see him return in the last two weeks from that injury, he looks good, and he looks sharp."

Cornes added that the past relationship between Lynch and Kangaroos coach David Noble could be a key factor should a move gain momentum.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 27: Tom Lynch of the Crows looks dejected after a loss during the 2019 AFL round 19 match between the Carlton Blues and the Adelaide Crows at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“To add him with (Nick) Larkey into that forward mix is definitely an open that I would pursue. There’s the connection with David Noble.

“He’s a terrific individual. He helps out with Adelaide’s AFLW team. He wants to explore the coaching development path.

“Tom Lynch on and off the field at North Melbourne to develop these younger players and slot into that forward line as a bigger body for the next two years would be an excellent option for North.

“It’s not a high-profile guy and it’s not going to be the difference between pushing right up the ladder, but a nice cog into what could be a decent North Melbourne forward line next year.”

Noble recently stated adding reinforcements to his forward stocks will be a key focus for the club's off-season.