ADELAIDE is focused on one ‘f’ word at the moment, and it’s not finals, says forward Tom Lynch.

Earlier in the season it was making the eight. But given this is now a certainty, the Crows have their gaze firmly fixed on the 2016 flag.

And unlike the media-managed message that emanates from a variety of other clubs, Lynch is unapologetic in declaring a premiership is squarely the club’s focus.

There are no ifs and no buts as far as the 78-gamer is concerned. Now is the time to make it count.

Round 18

“We definitely don’t shy away from ambition,” Lynch told Foxfooty.com.au.

“We are out to win the flag this year. We are up to our eyeballs in looking to win the premiership.”

Who can blame Lynch? The team that he’s played a critical role in has won 10 of its last 11 games and has booted over 100 more points than any other side.

They have amassed a whopping 49 goals in the last fortnight. At the other end of the spectrum Brisbane has conceded 52 majors in that same period.

In many respects the Crows have been just as good as the Lions have been poor — which is some compliment to Don Pyke’s men.

Every goal — of which there has been many — feeds the collective ego which is essential if a premiership is to become a reality.

Eddie Betts and Tom Lynch. (Photo by Morne de Klerk/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

And if to further justify their credentials, the Crows have conceded fewer points this season than Hawthorn — who sit a game clear at the top of the ladder.

But before Grand Final day, Adelaide must first claim a top four spot, which has always been so vital to flag hopes - except for the Crows of yesteryear.

It will be no easy task, considering there are still seven clubs battling it out for four positions.

“Our goal and our best chance to win the flag is to finish top four,” Lynch said.

“History tells us that you give yourself the best chance if you do finish top four.

“The process is beating Fremantle, Port Adelaide and then West Coast. If we can handle our business then hopefully that can take us to the top four and then we can reset and go from there.”

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Lynch, who is seen as a terrific on-field lieutenant at Adelaide despite holding no official leadership position, is so openly buoyant for three reasons.

First is the game style that grew under Phil Walsh, which has only been upgraded under Don Pyke.

“The flair and excitement comes from our personnel but also our coaching staff,” he said.

“Don’s got a great ability to make all the players believe in themselves and he’s instilled great trust in the group. He gives us license to make it our team and play the way we want to play.

“It’s absolutely the best team chemistry I’ve ever been part of.”

Tom Lynch and Rory Sloane. Picture Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

Secondly, the 25-year-old harbours no fears about playing in front of a capacity crowd at the MCG on the biggest day on the football calendar.

“I think three-quarters of our team are from Melbourne so it won’t really feel like an away game for us,” he said.

“We are really lucky that we get to play in front of 55,000 electric and loud fans every week at the Adelaide Oval. It’s an incredible atmosphere. The guys don’t shy away from big crowds. The finals experience we’ve gained from last year should hold us in good stead for this season.

“We’ll be ready.”

Thirdly, the forward-line could not be in better shape, with variety its most lethal asset.

“We are all really different in the way we play,” he said.

“We are not trying to be each other or take each other’s spot. I’m not trying to be Tex and he’s not trying to be Eddie Betts. We are just going out there and playing our way.

“(Assistant coach) David Teague has been instrumental and has had a huge impact on the forwards since he came through the doors at the start of 2015.”

Charlie Cameron & Tom Lynch Picture:Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

Lynch is a key part of Teague’s structure, having notched the equal most score assists of any player in the AFL this year.

He’s also booted 32 goals in 18 games, which makes for an impressive picture when added to Betts’ tally of 54, Josh Jenkins’ 52, Walker’s 40 and Mitch McGovern’s 25.

No player in the competition has amassed more goal assists than Lynch since the start of 2015 - a further testament to his football smarts.

Clearly the supply has remained constant following Patrick Dangerfield’s departure to Geelong.

If anything, it’s improved says Lynch.

“At times we all sort of sat back and let Danger do his thing because of the ability he’s got — and who knows — that may have cost us,” he said.

“When he left more responsibility came for guys like Jarryd Lyons, Matty Crouch and other midfielders that have stepped up.

“We weren’t going to go anywhere unless they were the ones that were going to improve.”

For Adelaide fans, the rapid rise has been enthralling.

Now all that remains is if Lynch and his teammates can replicate the flair when it matters most.

Tom Morris is on Twitter: @tommorris32