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Viral meningitis hits AFL star Tom Lynch

Adelaide’s Tom Lynch celebrates a goal against St Kilda. Picture: Sarah ReedTOM Lynch will make a heartfelt return to West Lakes on Monday, but it could be weeks until the Adelaide linkman receives the green light from medicos to resume playing.

Lynch was placed in intensive care last week before doctors diagnosed the viral meningitis that had floored the 26-year-old.

Viral meningitis can put victims out of action for several weeks, with symptoms including exhaustion, headaches, nausea, memory loss, anxiety and hearing difficulties.

Adelaide’s medical staff, led by Dr Marc Cesana, will take a cautious approach with the 96-game forward.

“We are always concerned about the welfare of our players and even more so when they are admitted to hospital,” said Crows general manager, high performance Brett Burton.

“We wanted to get him admitted to hospital so he was surrounded by experts.

“It is hard to put a timeline on it (a return), you are not sure of the end point, we will see when he is right to train.

“We go day by day, to be honest. He has improved from where he was last week.”

Burton said Lynch had wanted to get out of hospital and be around teammates and wasn’t contagious.

“The plan is to get him back in, he is on the improve. We will be guided by the doctors,” Burton said.

“Viruses are generally passed on but this time of the year we always discussing how you are diligent with hygiene.”

Adelaide must replace improved defender Kyle Hartigan who had quelled Carlton’s Jack Silvagni on Saturday at the MCG before sustaining a hamstring tear.

Hartigan, who has figured in every game this season, could face a six-week rehabilitation.

Swingman Andy Otten will press for a recall after a one-game stint in the SANFL, against Sturt. Kyle Cheney had led the queue of defensive reinforcements but withdrew from the Sturt clash with hamstring soreness.

“We normally leave it for a few days and go through the whole process of scanning. It appears to be a pretty significant injury,” said Burton of Hartigan.

Adelaide ground out a blue collar win against a compact and defensive Carlton at the MCG. Having proved it could win the hard way, Adelaide is now focused on a mission to skewer Western Bulldogs’ flag defence.

Luke Beveridge’s Dogs have slipped to 10th spot on percentage behind eighth-placed Sydney while Adelaide is two points behind leader Greater Western Sydney.

“It’s a great challenge whenever you come up against the reigning premier,” said Burton.

“It is exciting to test where you are at. We are looking forward to it, back to Adelaide Oval on a Friday night against the Bulldogs.”

SOURCE: The Advertiser

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