Despite an 11-week ban being placed on the big forward for his involvement in a salary cap breach when at the Adelaide Crows, Tippett has taken part in almost every session this pre-season, including competitive match simulation drills.
The forward lined up against All-Australian defender Ted Richards in last week’s scratch match in Coffs Harbour, and produced a strong performance taking several strong overhead marks and kicking a number of goals at BCU International Stadium.
Speaking to SwansTV in Coffs Harbour last week, Tippett said he has followed the same training schedule as those likely to line up in this month’s pre-season competition.
“My build up is pretty similar to the guys who will be playing in the first NAB Cup games and once they start playing we’ll adjust the schedule and I’ll do a bit of extra training I think,” he said.
Tippett said he enjoyed getting to know his Swans team mates on camp last week, and as a result, believes he now has a better understanding of the team dynamics on field.
“There has been a fair bit of learning, but I’ve enjoyed it,” he said.
“My pre-season has been about learning and getting to know the guys and building relationships, and it’s great to start playing with them now.
“It’s been great to play alongside guys like Reidy (Sam Reid) and Benny McGlynn, so it’s going to be really exciting this year.”
While Tippett is disappointed not to be lining up in the red and white early in season 2013, the forward said he will be using his time off to fine tune his skills and fitness ahead of his return in the second half of the season.
“There are a few things that I hope to improve,” Tippett said.
“12 weeks is a solid block and I hope to improve in a couple of key areas.
“I’ve been doing work on my kicking and hopefully I’ll be as fit as I’ve even been by the time the 12 weeks comes around.”
Tippett said in the coming weeks he and the coaches will determine what sort of training program he will undertake in the early stages of the home and away season.
“It’s yet to be decided actually,” he said.
“I’ve just been told to train like I’m going to play round one, and then once round one comes, we’ll adjust it a little bit.
“I’ll sit down with the support coaches and the staff and we’ll work out a good program.”
In the meantime, Tippett said he is thoroughly enjoying his new lifestyle in Sydney and spending time with his new team mates.
“I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve moved in with Daniel Hannebery down there in North Bondi and it’s a great spot and a lot of guys live close, so we have coffee and we hang out and it’s been really good to get to know the guys.”
