Kurt Tippett’s 2015 season by the numbers...
Games: 22
Goals: 44 (2nd at the Swans)
Total Disposals: 267
- Kicks: 146
- Handballs: 121
- Marks: 93
Avg. Disposals: 12.14
Contested Possessions: 164
Uncontested Possessions: 107
Inside 50s: 40
Tackles: 68
Forward coach Henry Playfair says...
"Tippo is a player who every line wouldn't mind having. Maybe not in defence but certainly the midfielders don't mind having him the ruck. I'm trying to keep him as much time forward as possible. I think both positions complement each other. Playing as a ruckman gets him around the ball and gets him in the action. Then he can take that confidence forward and go for his contested marks. So in essence rucking allows him to do what he does best. His ruck stuff helped his forward stuff. Early touches allowed his to just play and, as we saw, he was able to kick goals as well. He probably started a bit slowly but then cranked up and had a cracking back end of the year. It'll depend on the development of our young ruckmen also what happens during Trade Period and what our lists like next year in regards to form and injuries so we'll weigh up where that role for Tippo fits in. Generally I think we saw him play his best playing in that role."
Season highlight...
Kurt Tippett terrorised the GWS Giants in Round 21, booting five goals switching between the ruck and forward line at Spotless Stadium.
Tippett took a little while to work into his new role but had strung together some good form before the clash only to show just how damaging the 201cm big man can be with the footy in his hand.
This was on full display when in one play Tippett contested the centre bounce, ran forward, received a handball from Jarrad McVeigh and unloaded a goal from outside 50m.
He collected 21 possessions, eight marks and 20 hit outs in the standout performance.
Tippett became a force in the second half of the season to boot 15 goals in the last five matches, including three in a heroic effort in an undermanned forward in the qualifying final loss to Fremantle.
VIDEO: Kurt Tippett overpowers the Giants.
Through the lens...
Tippett wrestles with Fremantle ruckman Zac Clarke during this year's qualifying final.
Tippett dominated against GWS in Round 21, booting five goals.
Tippett celebrates a goal against his old side in the Swans' Round 18 win over Adelaide.
