ADELAIDE is confident it can retain promising forward Mitch McGovern next season, according to Tom Lynch.
McGovern burst onto the scene last season, with the 22-year-old West Australian playing 23 of a possible 24 games and booting 32 goals for the most potent attack in the competition.
West Coast defender Jeremy McGovern told AFL.com.au last week he would love to play alongside his younger brother, while Fremantle could also be interested.
"I think the reason he is being spoken about is the year he had last year. He's turned himself into a quality player," Lynch told reporters in Adelaide on Wednesday.
"He should take some confidence in knowing he's getting spoken about, but we're pretty confident we can keep him here.
"He's turned himself into a really important part of our team and I'm looking forward to seeing how he goes this year."
Lynch has returned to full training after having a knee operation at the end of last season.
He expects to be available for the JLT Community Series.
"I've done an extensive amount of rehab work," Lynch said.
"I was really only in that transition period pre-Christmas, but since I've come back after Christmas I've been doing everything.
"I'm really comfortable where the knee is at and I'm really strong in that area and looking forward to getting stuck into games."
Lynch will again play a key role in a versatile and talented Crows forward line.
Waiting in the wings for their opportunity are a host of players on the fringes.
One of those is former Carlton goalsneak Troy Menzel, who is looking more at home in his second pre-season with the club.
Menzel failed to play a senior game for the Crows last season after moving interstate during the 2015 NAB AFL Trade Period.
"He's more confident and comfortable and he's in great shape," Lynch said.
"Transitioning to a new club is always difficult.
"I went through the same thing.
"He's got a lot of talent, has worked really hard and I'm looking forward to see him take his opportunity."
The Crows are yet to announce their leadership group for this year, but star forward Taylor Walker is a certainty to retain the captaincy.
"He leads from the front and leads by example on and off the field," Lynch said.
"His presence and his relationships he has with people at this club are second to none.
"He cares about everyone more so than himself at times.
"I can sit here all day and run through all his attributes, he's exceptional."
Lynch said the Crows won't play an intraclub game before their first game of the JLT Community Series against Richmond at Etihad Stadium on February 24.
