TOM LYNCH needs to stop wrestling and start running more, says Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade.

Although not having a bad season, Lynch has been considerably down on his spectacular 2016 All Australian form in recent weeks.

It came to a head against Carlton last Saturday night, when Liam Jones kept the 24-year-old goalless and restricted him to just one mark.

Eade said he had spoken to his co-captain during the week, reminding him his best play came when he used his aerobic power and ran his opponent around.

"We had a look at some tape and things he's not doing at the moment that he does when he's playing well and the way he needs to go about it," Eade said.

"Tom is obviously a very good mark and has got long arms, but he needs to be on the move.

"Last week wasn't a great game for forwards with the rain, but there were some examples where Tom could have got on his bike and moved around.

"I think that's been a pattern for three of the last four weeks.

"I think he was aware of it but probably hadn't done anything about it.

"Hopefully he can start to turn the corner."

Lynch has kicked 27 goals from his 12 games, but has been held goalless three times.

In 2016 he kicked at least one goal in every game and finished with 66 for the season.

Perhaps the biggest difference is his contested marking.

Last year Lynch led the AFL with 62 contested marks, and so far this year he sneaks into the top 20 with just 19.
Eade said he had seen many great forwards up close – including Wayne Carey, Tony Lockett and Jason Dunstall – all get fascinated with trying to win a strength battle at various stages in their decorated careers.

"Players do fall into that trap at times," he said.

"Tom's still only young, so I think it's just part of his learning curve."