By Michael Whiting

Exciting Gold Coast SUNS forward Tom Lynch has come a long way from the young man struck down by glandular fever earlier this year.

Lynch lost 6kg in his four weeks away from the game as the illness took its toll on him.

He lost strength and endurance and most importantly, part of a pre-season that would propel him into his first AFL season.

But the 18-year-old taken at No.11 in last year's NAB AFL National Draft has not only recovered, but shown he is one of the brightest stars in the GC SUNS young brigade.

On Saturday against the Western Bulldogs he added another excellent performance to his seven-match career, kicking three goals against experienced defender Dale Morris.

GC SUNS coach Guy McKenna was full of praise for the 199cm, 91kg forward.

"He's a ripping kid. He was fit as a Mallee bull before Christmas and had to almost start all over again," McKenna said of his glandular fever battle.

"He's one of those draught horses who works and works and works. You can't deny the way he works and how he works defensively when the ball hits the ground."

But it hasn't been an easy road for Lynch.

Lynch said he had six weeks of training back into his legs before making a return through the reserves and ultimately his senior debut against the Brisbane Lions in round seven.

Only now does he feel back to full strength.

"I feel pretty good. I can still improve my fitness I think but in terms of strength I managed to get the weight back on," Lynch said.

"I'm learning so much every week, just body positioning, when to push off and when to hold back."

One thing Lynch has shown is exceptional hands overhead in his early career and he's been a safe set shot with his 13 goals to date.

He leaps for marks and has good skills on both sides of his body.

The quietly spoken teenager started his career with a bang, combining for 36 disposals, 19 marks and four goals in his first two matches against the Lions and Adelaide, and remains humble about his expectations.

"I just have to keep working harder and do the right things," he said.