The Swans Take A Punt On Tippett

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Published

December 11, 2012

Finally one of the most controversial, on-again off-again, salary cap-cheat exposing trades in AFL history has been finalised after the Sydney Swans picked up Kurt Tippett in today’s pre-season draft. As the highest profile player up for grabs in the draft, Tippett’s big money demands and ugly split from the Adelaide Crows curbed interest from the likes of Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Brisbane Lions. The Swans, Tippett’s most likely port of call from the start, where the only club remaining willing to pursue the beleaguered star, and did so despite the cap-related suspension that will see Tippett sitting on the sidelines for the opening 11 games of the season.

Plenty have baulked at the Swans commitment to Tippett. The way he split on his teammates and the Crows have left him looking like a mega d-bag and his 11 game holiday means that when he finally turns out in the red and white, he’ll be earning a rumored $70,000 per game. To put it in perspective, a rookie is on a base wage rate of about $49,000 for the entire year. But who’s to argue with the Swans who have a pretty stellar recruitment record. As Fox Sports pointed out, the Swans have a rich history of transforming established players into superstars.

1. Gerard Healy

Healy became a 3-time club best-and-fairest, Brownlow medalist, 3-time All-Australian, and was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame after coming to the Swans after 121 games with the Melbourne Demons

2. Tony Lockett

Plugger was already a legend in the making, despite a very dubious disciplinary record, having already scored 898 goals before he joined the Swans. Lockett’s arrival at the Swans sparked the club’s first genuinely competitive era where he kicked 462 goals in 98 games on the way to becoming the highest goal scorer in AFL history.

3. Tadhg Kennelly

Another huge risk, Kennely was an untested Irish Gaelic football player
who would go on to play 197 games for the club and was one of the Swans
most integral members in the 2005 premiership winning squad.

4. Barry Hall

Like Lockett, Hall was another rough-nut St Kilda full forward with an
awful rep. While not of the same ilk as Lockett, as co-captain Hall lead
the Swans to their 2005 premiership.

5. Shane Mumford

As a Geelong fringe ruckman, Mumford was inconsistent and largely
unfit. At Sydney, he has enjoyed the enthusiastic support of the Swans
faithful and has turned into a certain starter, playing a vital role in
the Swans charge to the flag this year.

For the Swans, it’s not Tippett’s ability that is the risk. His progress from hugely talented rookie to superstar was well underway at the Crows. The challenge for the Swans will be ensuring that their big money investment assimilates into the revered ‘bloods culture’. Irrespective of how the season is going, the Swans have established themselves as a club that sticks together. If Tippett can fit in off the field, look for another soaring Swans team come September next year.