North Melbourne has signed former Crow and assistant coach Tom Lynch to complete the club’s 2022 list.
Lynch joins the playing list as a pre-season supplemental selection (SSP) and will have the opportunity to continue his AFL career after 164 games over 12 seasons at Adelaide and St Kilda.
His time at West Lakes came to end last year after being delisted, but he was handed a role as a development coach under David Noble and has been working at the Roos over the pre-season.
There’s no indication that he won’t continue that role, but is now available to play if called upon.
However, the club suggested the move was to benefit their VFL team.
“This signing leaves the door open to Tom playing state level football in the VFL,” North Melbourne’s GM of Football Talent Brady Rawlings said.
“He will add depth and experience to our VFL side and will play a key role in developing young forwards in Charlie Comben, Jacob Edwards, Phoenix Spicer among others.”
“Tom's football resume speaks for itself. His experience after more than a decade in the game is an asset for us as both as coach and a player.”
The AFL confirmed its COVID contingency lists earlier on Tuesday, which allows clubs to confirm a list of up to 20 players by Friday.