Cam Mooney says Adelaide’s flag window is open but must re-sign link-man Tom Lynch.

Cam Mooney says Adelaide must do everything in its power to retain AFL’s premier link-man Tom Lynch while resisting the urge to cash in its chips at the 2018 Super Draft.

Adelaide’s Tom Lynch celebrates a goal against the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval. Picture: AAP Image/Kelly Barnes.

Cam Mooney says Adelaide must do everything in its power to retain AFL’s premier link-man Tom Lynch while resisting the urge to cash in its chips at the 2018 Super Draft.

Mooney believes Adelaide’s premiership window is open despite its 2018 slide from finals contention, particularly if it retains free-agent Sloane, Lynch and Mitch McGovern.

“Lynch is the best link up player in the game. I would be moving heaven and earth to make sure I have Tom Lynch happy at the footy club,” triple premiership forward Mooney told The Advertiser.

Asked why 27-year-old Lynch, who is keen to remain at West Lakes, hasn’t been re-signed, Mooney said: “I don’t know. I am shocked to be honest, he is so important to the way they play.”

Lynch, No.13 pick at the 2008 national draft and a respected team man, will require more than an annual $480,000 salary over three years to stay at West Lakes. Adelaide must decide whether its priorities loom in the Super Draft or a group that made the 2017 grand final.

“You put him (Lynch) on the market and I would be staggered if 17 other teams weren’t falling over themselves to get him. He is just a fantastic AFL footballer, picks up possessions and kicks goals,” said Mooney, who fronts Fox Footy’s Weekly Lowdown.

Adelaide could take five top 20 picks to this November’s AFL draft by trading vice captain Sloane, Lynch or releasing contracted McGovern to Victorian clubs headlined by destination hot-spot Hawthorn and cashed up St Kilda.

Elite Croweaters, 196cm spearhead Jack Lukosius and Andrew McLeod prototype Izak Rankine, await in a dynamite draft.

However, Adelaide’s shouldn’t panic at its run of injury and disastrous pre-season camp that has marooned it in 11th spot entering the bye says Mooney. Topping up a premiership capable list with the picks it currently has - No.8, 16 and 20 - is a safer strategy insists Mooney.

“The draft is still hit and miss. Their list and window is now and the window won’t shut any time soon if they stock up with a couple of good players,” said Mooney.

“There was Bryce Gibbs, bring in something like that again. If they get fit and firing I have no doubt they are a premiership contender again next year.”

Don Pyke’s unit must topple West Coast, Richmond and Geelong to revive a campaign where a minimum six wins from six nine starts are required to reach September.

Mooney cites injuries as genuine factor in Adelaide’s decline this season despite trailing Hawthorn -10 in tackles, -23 clearances, and 22 for contested possession in a 56-point loss at the MCG last Saturday.

A fit Taylor Walker, Lynch, McGovern, Brodie Smith, Rory Laird, Brad Crouch and Riley Knight would transform Adelaide next season.

“I think when you have guys like Tex, Lynch, McGovern to come back in, Sloane the Crouch boys and Eddie who are in their prime, you don’t want to be going to the draft now,’ said Mooney.

“This time last year we were saying this was the best group in the AFL.”

See Cam Mooney on The Weekly Lowdown, Thursdays at 6.30pm on FOX FOOTY.