Sydney's chances of winning back-to-back AFL premierships are set to be strengthened after Adelaide forward Kurt Tippett announced he has agreed a conditional four-year contract with the premiers.
Speculation has raged throughout the 2012 season about the future of Tippett, with the key forward failing to agree on a new deal with the Crows.
The 25-year-old - who grew up on the Gold Coast and was recruited to Adelaide from Southport - was repeatedly linked with moves back to Queensland with either the Suns or Brisbane Lions through the year.
And when Tippett announced he would leave Adelaide on Tuesday, Collingwood also emerged as a candidate for his services.
But on Saturday, Tippett confirmed that Sydney was his preferred destination and he has agreed a deal with club, which is subject to a trade being agreed.
"It would have been easy to accept a generous five-year offer to stay in Adelaide, or something similar from the Gold Coast or Brisbane, and I also want to thank those clubs for their interest," Tippett said in a statement.
"But this was a combined football/lifestyle decision and the balance between the two. I was born in Sydney, I have a lot of friends and family there, and this offers me a chance to play football in a lifestyle which I really enjoy.
"Watching the AFL Grand Final last Saturday, listening to the commentary and talking to various people over time, it is obvious the Swans have a very special culture, in addition to a very good team.
"I look forward to being part of it, and playing a role in a team that can be in the premiership mix next year and beyond."
Tippett played 104 games for Adelaide, kicking 188 goals.
1 Comments
Great day for the swans :)
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