Crows forward Tom Lynch reveals the mantra that is driving club culture during the coronavirus crisis

Crows veteran forward and member of the leadership group, Tom Lynch, talks fitness, homeschooling and how the Crows are putting kindness first during the COVID-19 sport shutdown.

Tom Lynch returns early to pre-season training at West Lakes in November 2019, ahead of the 2020 season. Picture: SARAH REED

• Footy flashback: The day ‘Godra’ announced his arrival
• How to make the most of your Advertiser digital subscription

They might be self-isolating, but Adelaide veteran forward Tom Lynch says the Crows are actually becoming closer despite being separated during the COVID-19 crisis.

With players and coaches connecting through regular virtual meetings and daily support messages, Lynch has revealed the club’s renewed mantra and culture are helping them stick together.

“Our mantra is to put others first and to think about your teammates and coaches and I think we do a wonderful job of that,” he said.

“It’s easy to be kind and I know that I’m at a footy club with a number of people who are super kind and have great hearts and think about others and put others first … at a time like this, I can really see that shining through.”

He named the likes of new senior coach Matthew Nicks, new head of football Adam Kelly and new leadership coach Dan Jackson as leading that culture of kindness, and saved special praise for the players’ welfare manager Emma Barr.

Tom Lynch during pre-season training at West Lakes ahead of the 2020 season. Picture: Sarah Reed.

“There are a few people with big hearts who are playing a magnificent role,” the 140-game forward said. “But the playing group, the boys adore each other and are keeping in touch quite regularly. It will be a rollercoaster as to how much longer we are self-isolated, but the engagement so far has been really good.”

Lynch said he was also hopeful the players would return in superior fitness once the ban on playing sport was lifted, but acknowledged a mini pre-season would be necessary.

Players are currently training in small groups and Lynch said he was able to choose his training partners.

“If I feel good in the morning, I’ll pick someone like Sloaney (Rory Sloane) who I’m going to have to chase around and if I’m not feeling good I’ll pick someone of a less running ilk,” he said, without naming anyone.

“Everyone’s training with different guys regularly, which is really enjoyable. We’d like to think we’re going to be in the bracket of teams coming back in really good shape.

Tom Lynch celebrates his round-one goal against Sydney at an empty Adelaide Oval. Picture: Sarah Reed.

“That’s certainly something as a playing group we’re aspiring to do and if that’s training with people who you think are going to push you, then that’s what it’s going to take.

“There are plenty of guys who are getting a thirst for playing senior footy at the moment and there are some guys, when games do roll around, who will be quite optimistic about playing which will be great for our competitive advantage.”

With three kids ranging in age seven to one, Lynch is also turning into a bit of a schoolteacher and is thankful for online search engines that have been able to help him with various Year 2 subjects as well as the coaches with children who are in the same boat and trying to occupy their housebound children.

“I get text messages from the coaches every week telling me new activities to do with the kids, certainly lucky in that regards,” he said, admitting that while he misses being around the footy club, he is taking time to appreciate his time at home.

Originally published as Crows forward Tom Lynch reveals the mantra that is driving club culture during the coronavirus crisis