Gold Coast SUNS coach Rodney Eade has praised Tom Lynch’s performance against Adelaide on the weekend, lauding the key forward’s leadership during a difficult year for the club.



At Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon, Lynch was the most dominant key position player on the ground. Along with full forward Charlie Dixon, the pair combined to keep the SUNS in the contest for the first three quarters, before the Crows took the ascendancy in the final term to run away with the victory.



After wayward kicking in front of goal against Greater Western Sydney, Lynch’s radar was on against Adelaide. He opened his account with a precise set shot from deep in the pocket, before finishing the day with 4.1 from 21 possessions. The 22-year-old also took 11 marks in a stunning performance that included four contested grabs and four marks inside 50.



Despite a strong season from the spearhead, Eade has been more impressed with Lynch’s leadership during a tumultuous season, with his appetite for the contest standing out for the veteran coach.



“He’s been terrific really for a long time. His form was a little bit patchy, but his leadership has been great and his competitive urge and his competitive nature,” Eade told the media after Gold Coast’s 45-point loss on Saturday.



“He’s really been leading the team exceptionally well, along with a couple of others. But his form the last three or four weeks… he kicked 1.5 last week, had opportunities. He kicked four today.



“He just continues to work, he’s just competitive. He’s been fantastic.”