A brief stint in lockdown has done little to quell Adelaide forward Tom Lynch's passion for helping coach the club's AFLW team.
The Crows' AFLW side, who will seek to continue their undefeated start to the year when they face Fremantle on Sunday, were in Perth when the city entered a five-day lockdown because of a COVID-19 case.
Lynch returned home and was forced to isolate, ensuring he had to get creative while continuing to juggle preseason training with his duties as an AFLW assistant coach.
"They're the sort of cards you get dealt these days ... there's a lot more people doing it a lot tougher," Lynch said after training on Thursday.
"The club was fantastic, dropping stuff off in the driveway. I was able to get some training in.
"Then I headed up to Sydney with the women's team and completed a bit of a run around with them as well."
Interstate travel has become a risky proposition in the time of COVID-19, as evidenced by South Australia's border closure to Melbourne.
It is a point the AFL has made to every club ahead of the men's season, with a stint in quarantine having the potential to crush a player's hopes of playing in round one.
Lynch hopes he will still be able to travel with Adelaide's AFLW side, who play at home this weekend, in coming weeks.
"It's something I am really enjoying and loving being part of ... really grateful for the opportunity," the 30-year-old said.
"They're a super passionate group
"It'll be quite an exciting year for them."
Geelong defender Tom Stewart and recently-retired GWS veteran Heath Shaw have also dipped their toe in coaching via the AFLW.
Lynch, who noted finishing last in 2020 ensured there was a "fair bit of motivation" throughout recent months, has been impressed with several teammates during preseason.
"I was still able to stay pretty active before returning (to the main group)," he said.
"So I didn't miss too much volume.
"But missed enough, the way these guys are training at the moment ... I'm feeling a bit sore and tired, but I'm sure I'll be fine."
The Crows' AFL season is slated to start on March 20 against Geelong.
