After serving an 11-match suspension, it took less than 20 seconds for Kieren Jack to boot the ball to Tippett from the centre, where the Swans’ number eight marked with ease on the run and went back to kick his first goal in Swans colours.
Speaking to SwansTV for Volkswagen’s Photo Moment, Tippett recalled his dream start in the club’s round 13 clash with Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium last season.
“That moment brings back some good memories,” Tippett said.
“Obviously to sit out for the first 12 weeks of that season and then to get my guernsey and to run out that day was really special.
“I remember feeling a little bit nervous and pretty anxious about playing my first game in the red and the white, and then to kick that first goal in the first few seconds of that game was something that really settled the nerves.
“I had a fair bit of time to think about how I wanted to play and how I wanted to come into the side and I couldn’t have dreamt up a better way to get that first one away so quickly and to really ease the nerves and settle in.
“You couldn’t dream of a better start.”
The big forward’s perfect start was met by elation from his team mates, who flocked from all over the field to congratulate him on his first goal at his new club.
After watching from the sidelines for the first three months of the season, Tippett said sharing that moment with his team mates was one he’ll never forget.
“To have all the boys get around me and to have a few pats on the back and feel a bit more comfortable, that really helped me settle into the group and I guess feel a part of it for the first time,” he said.
“They really made me feel welcome and they came from everywhere that day.
“I think even the defenders got down, so it was really special.”
While Tippett’s start to the match went to script, a late surge from Port Adelaide saw the home side seal victory against the Swans, putting a dampener on Tippett’s long-awaited return to the field.
Fortunately, Tippett and the Swans were both able to bounce back the following week, with Tippett booting two goals in the club’s 22-point win over Carlton at the SCG.
“To come back to the SCG the week after my first game in a loss to Port Adelaide and to come back and have the win against Carlton was terrific,” Tippett said.
“I remember it was a crappy night and it rained the whole time but it was a hard-fought win.
“To sing the song for the first time and to be in the middle of the circle and to get the Gatorade shower is something that you don’t forget.”
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