ADELAIDE isn't just making up the numbers in the finals, forward Tom Lynch says – the Crows see themselves as genuine September contenders.
They proved their finals credentials on Sunday, downing second-placed West Coast by 57 points, and have now won six of their past seven games.
All over the field players have started to hit peak form: Daniel Talia in deep defence; Brodie Smith, Rory Laird and Ricky Henderson rebounding off half-back; Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Thompson, Richard Douglas, Sam Jacobs and Rory Sloane through the midfield; Lynch, Taylor Walker, Josh Jenkins, Eddie Betts and Charlie Cameron in attack.
A home final remains in reach, but the Crows have to beat Geelong this week and hope that North Melbourne beats Richmond.
If the Tigers win, an away elimination final against the Western Bulldogs appears likely.
In the rooms after the win on Sunday, Lynch told AFL.com.au he and his teammates had grand plans for the finals.
"We don't want to just make up the numbers - we want to really give it a shake," Lynch said.
"We're working really hard to keep the momentum going with the good football we're playing and give us our best chance in September.
"The last month especially has been outstanding in terms of the way we've been playing and it's all really coming off our defence … the forward pressure from Charlie, Eddie, 'JJ' and 'Tex' and Riley Knight, our mids are winning clearances – Danger, Sloaney, Thommo.
"We like to think we're playing our best footy at the right time."
Although Lynch was bullish on the team's September desire, he understood its recent form would count for nothing if it started to taper.
In what's tipped to be one of the most even finals series in recent memory, all eight sides are capable of progressing.
The Crows feared nobody, Lynch said, and Sunday's win over the Eagles only justified that conviction.
"A performance like [that] gives you that belief. They're a top-two side and we feel like we've given the top teams a shake this year but just haven't really been able to click," he said.
"The last month we've started to jel together nicely as a team, but it all really means nothing; it gives us confidence to go out there and compete with those teams, but you've got to keep delivering."
Lynch was again influential on Sunday, wining 22 possessions, kicking two first-term goals and setting up two others.
The 24-year-old is in stellar touch and leads the competition for goal assists.
But after his 2014 season was destroyed by shoulder, jaw and neck injuries he insists he's just happy to have had a clear run.
"I'm enjoying playing my footy at the moment and it feels like [I'm in my best form] because I'm out there playing each week and getting some continuity with some games," he said.
"It's helping me be consistent.
"I'm really enjoying playing in the forward line with those four boys I mentioned, and (assistant coach) David Teague's been fantastic for me this year."
