Johnson names ideal landing spots for Adelaide duo

Two Victorian clubs have been suggested as fitting suitors for the out-of-contract pair.

EDITOR | July 20, 2021 - 9:27am

Western Bulldogs great Brad Johnson has named two ideal suitors for potentially available Crows duo Matt Crouch and Tom Lynch.

A report by The Age last week suggested that the Adelaide pair - along with veteran defender Daniel Talia - could be up for grabs ahead of this year's exchange period.

Crouch, who is yet to feature for the Crows this season due to injury, is a restricted free agent in 2021, and is sure to gain interest from rival clubs off the back of a stellar career-to-date at West Lakes.

Lynch has found himself on the outer of selection throughout this season, whilst also battling with injury concerns of his own - limiting the 30-year-old to just the seven appearances.

With potential exits now tipped for the Crows pair, Johnson has weighed in on fitting landing spots for both Crouch and Lynch, naming the Kangaroos and Bombers as matching suitors.

Speaking on Fox Footy this week, Johnson suggested that the duo would complement both Victorian sides as they continue their push for a return to the top-eight.

“North Melbourne comes to mind, especially for both actually. When you look at an accumulator in the midfield, where (Ben) Cunnington’s sort of coming towards the end of his career the next couple of years,” Johnson said.

“Tommy Lynch with North Melbourne, to link up around. Tom Lynch has probably got a few more options in terms of maybe St Kilda, the Suns, the Bombers, the Pies potentially.

“Crouch – North Melbourne (and) Essendon were two that spring to mind.”

North Melbourne are understood to have a war chest in salary space ahead of the 2021 exchange period, and are expected to have a busy off-season of recruiting.

While there has been no confirmed interest by the Kangaroos for either of the 'up for grabs' Crows, the Arden Street club have been linked to Greater Western Sydney star Josh Kelly.

GWS v Sydney - 2021 AFL Community Series — SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 07: Josh Kelly of the Giants walks across the field following warm up during the AFL Community Series match between the Sydney Swans and the Gold Coast Suns at GIANTS Stadium on March 07, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Both Crouch and Kelly entered the league via the 2013 draft, and have each won one All-Australian jacket and club best and fairest - all coming in 2017.

A Ballarat product, a return to Victoria for Crouch would see him follow in the footsteps of his older brother Brad, who ventured to St Kilda at the end of last season.