Crows to part ways with veteran forward

Adelaide will not offer out-of-contract veteran Tom Lynch a new deal for next season.

The club confirmed on Tuesday that the 2021 season will be the 30-year-old's last at West Lakes.

Lynch has played 162 games for his career, dating back to his debut with St Kilda in 2010.

Lynch moved from Victoria to the South Australian club ahead of the 2012 season, going on to play 156 games and boot 197 goals.

“Naturally I would have loved to have kept playing but I am rapt to have experienced the journey with the Club and now with this young group, and I look forward to watching their development and their rise back up the ladder,” Lynch said in a club statement.

“I am also incredibly grateful to my wife Courtney and our three kids and the sacrifices they have made along the way in allowing me to pursue an AFL career.

“I will take some time to consider what comes next but for now I am determined to help the team finish the season as strongly as we can.”

Crows coach Matthew Nicks stated his thanks to have worked with Lynch during their time together at Adelaide, lauding the forward's professionalism.

“Over his career, Tom has been described as ‘The Connector’ and it is a good description of the influence that he has had on and off the field, which has been significant,” Nicks said.

“On field he has been elite with his decision making and ball use. Off field, when it comes to prioritising others, Tom is second to none and as a senior leader he’s helped drive the cultural standards within the playing group.

“Like any professional athlete, he’s had his share of injuries but his resilience and attention to detail with his rehabilitation and overall week-to-week preparation is an example to which all of our emerging players should aspire.”