Young forward Ben Davis has spent a lot more time up the ground in 2019, after working closely with experienced ‘link man’ Tom Lynch.
Throughout his time at West Lakes, Lynch has been known as the ‘connecter’, linking the midfield to the forward line as a key component in getting the ball inside 50.
Davis is now following suit, having spent a lot of time working between the arks for the SANFL Crows this season.
Despite being Adelaide’s leading goalkicker in 2018 with 22 goals, Davis felt he faded out of games last season and believes the move is increasing his consistency.
“Last year, I spent more time deeper and waiting for the ball to come inside 50, but now I’ve worked on building my tank to go higher up the ground and connect the ball down to the forwards,” Davis said.
“Being able to go up on the wing now, it helps me get around the footy more and stay involved in the game, whereas last year I was probably dropping out a little bit.
“I think that’s one thing that I struggled with last year, being able to stay in the game for four quarters and be around the footy consistently, but this year I have been more consistent.”
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The 22-year-old is certainly getting more of the ball, averaging 16 disposals a game in 2019, compared to 10 in 2018.
Lynch has been helping Davis both on and off the field in order to improve his output.
“We sit and go through vision, he always helps me on the track with leading patterns and where I should be moving next once the ball has left the area,” Davis said.
“He’ll give me a few tips here and there on how I can better my game and get a few more touches around the ground which is what I have been aiming to do this year.
“It’s good to have someone with so much experience in that specific role being able to help me, and he’s been massive in helping me leap forward in being able to play that role well.”
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Davis and his fellow teammates took a lot out of a tough 2018 season, where the SANFL Crows only won the one game.
Toiling through that year taught the young team how to stay in the contest and enjoy their footy.
“Given we didn’t win too many last year, the main thing that showed is that you can always be in the game if you bring attitude and effort, that’s the one thing that Heath [Younie] has really emphasised this year,” Davis said.
“We’re a lot more even across the board now and I think that’s why we’re doing well in the SANFL - players are going out each week looking to play for the team, not for themselves.
“That’s the main thing I am enjoying more, is that team success, and it makes the wins a lot sweeter.”
The second-placed SANFL Crows side have a weekend off this week due to a SANFL spilt round and will return on Saturday, June 1 against North Adelaide.
