Kurt Tippett has nominated for December’s pre-season draft, after the AFL ruled he did not qualify for free agency which would have been his best shot of joining the Sydney Swans.
The Adelaide forward-ruckman’s decision to put himself into the December 11 draft leaves wooden spooners Greater Western Sydney, who have the No.1 pick, in prime position to snare him.
Tippett had attempted to join premiers Sydney through October’s trade period, but that hope was scuttled by the AFL after evidence of alleged draft tampering and salary cap breaches by the Crows in relation to Tippett emerged.
He had then aimed to join the Swans as a delisted free agent, but the AFL has ruled he does not qualify, as he removed himself from the Crows’ list.
Tippett’s hope of reaching the Swans now rests with nominating contractual terms for his draft entry which GWS are unwilling to meet.
While Wednesday was the official deadline for listed player draft nominations, the AFL has given Tippett an extension until next Monday to lodge his financial terms.
Tippett, the Crows, Adelaide chief executive Steven Trigg, current football operations manager Phil Harper and his predecessor, John Reid, must face the AFL Commission on Friday to answer a total of 11 charges of infringing draft or salary cup rules.
The hearing could potentially result in a ban for Tippett, which the clubs wanting to draft him will need to weigh up along with his asking price.
Giants coach Kevin Sheedy last week confirmed GWS’s keenness to draft Tippett even if the player didn’t want to come there.
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