When it comes to learning from your peers, few are more equipped for success than Beth Lynch.
The fleet-footed 22-year-old is thriving in her second season at Arden Street, continuing her development alongside the likes of skipper Emma Kearney and best-and-fairest winner Jenna Bruton.
“We’ve got so many talented players on our team,” Lynch told North Media.
“When you look at girls like Kearney and Jenna (Bruton), they do so much work in midfield. Sometimes I watch them and really admire what they do, to be that good.
“Jenna’s ground-balls are really good, so I’ve been trying to copy what she does with that. I’ve been watching our best players and seeing how well they do things, and trying to replicate that.
“It can be very difficult, but I’m enjoying the work and getting better.”
Since making her AFLW debut in Round 4 last year, Lynch has developed a reputation for her tenacity when pursuing the footy.
This approach allowed her to play three games in 2019, a tally she’s looking to add to in the coming weeks.
“I’m going to work really hard to hopefully secure my spot for Round 1, or any of the following games after that,” Lynch explained.
“My position could be in a few different spots. I’d like to play as a more lateral winger, or in defence. But it really comes down to where I fit with the rest of the team.
“Wherever I can be of most help to the team is where I want to play.
“I’ve been told countless times that I need to work on my composure, so that’s definitely something I’ve looked at. Outside of that, there isn’t any one real thing. My skills in general have been a big focus.”
A recent hit-out in a practice match against Collingwood provided an opportunity for Lynch to showcase her new skills in a high-pressure environment.
However, her best moment came from an unlikely source.
“First of all, I stuffed up my kick and it ended up going into the mark,” Lynch said.
“I remember thinking that I had to work pretty hard to fix what had happened. Once my opposition number got the ball and took off, I ran hoping that I’d get her.
“Luckily for me, she (the opposition player) fumbled and bounced, which gave me enough time to catch her. There was a point where I thought it’d gone through for a goal, but it worked out in the end.
“It’s more about getting better in general, there are always things to improve. This can be things as simple as my pressure and positioning. I’m learning the game as much as I can and always improving.”
As for her new teammates, Lynch likes what she’s seen so far from Tasmanians Abbey Green and Mia King.
“Abbey has really impressed me (in the practice matches),” she continued.
“The way she came in, having done a little bit of work with our midfielders, but not a lot. She was great through the middle and laid a few really good tackles as well.
“It’s not just her tap, she’s working on the ground as well. It’s really good to see these things coming from a ruck.
“Mia (King) is going to be a great player in a couple of years too. I think she’s going to be the next (Emma) Kearney.
“Her pressure and getting the ball out from clearances. You can see that she’s pretty tough in there.”
