Adelaide Crows News

Sam Jacobs admits that his form has not been up to standard this year.

"I've got pretty high expectations of my own game and I'm probably one of those blokes who still needs to find that consistency through a game and just keep doing everything right," Jacobs said.

"Coming off a good year I probably tried to grow my game too much and was worrying about other things … I went away from the things I need to do and that's ruck well.

"Early on in the year obviously things weren't going as well as I would have liked so now it's just to get back and worry about my core business and that's making sure I'm giving the boys first supply with the ruck.

"The rest of it comes with it."

Brent Reilly is dropped from the side to face Richmond with Crows assistant coach Mark Bickley saying the defender has been out of form this year.

"The expectation as a defender is you have to be responsible for a player and defend and we feel he hasn't quite done that to the level that we expect of him," Bickley said.

"If you do a really simple comparison of what he was able to do last year and what he's doing this year in terms of being able to shut his man down and get off and intercept – he probably hasn't been at that [same] level."

Jack Ziebell is handed a three-match suspension for a bump on Crow Jarryd Lyons leading Geelong and Sydney coaches Chris Scott and John Longmire to question the future of the bump.

"I haven't really wasted too much time thinking about it (the Ziebell ban), and I think that's the approach that most people should take to the match review panel," Scott said.

"If you try to work it out you'll just tear your hair out and end up very confused and frustrated. They are so inconsistent that any sort of predictions, when it comes to the Match Review Panel, are a waste of time."

"The hard thing from Jack's incident is it looked like he went in to smother. It's very difficult in that situation," Longmire said.

"But I think it's getting to the stage where the bump, obviously you do it at your own risk.

"You're not quite sure what the outcome will be, you're not quite sure what the other player will do, so you're better off maybe putting it in the kit bag and trying to tackle or put some pressure on."

Sam Kerridge earns the round nine NAB AFL Rising Star nomination after playing a pivotal role in the Crows thrilling 1-point win against North Melbourne with 24 disposals, 8 marks and 6 goals.

"He's played a variety of different roles for us, including important defensive jobs on some of the competition's best players,'' Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson said.

"He's really relished those challenges and has also been able to hit the scoreboard consistently through his hard running and strong work ethic.''

Graham Johncock has found himself being repeatedly ignored at the selection table but Crows captain Nathan Van Berlo says he is still very much a required player.

"He is an important player to the playing group. We know that. The club knows that. All the supporters know how important Graham is for us," Van Berlo said.

"It's a matter of him working with match committee and the coaches to show that he's ready to come back and the play the role they need of him."

Josh Jenkins won't require scans on his right knee, with the club confirming he has no suffered structural damage when it hyper-extended against St Kilda.

With Adelaide's forward line already missing their spearhead Taylor Walker, Josh Jenkins sends a scare through the Crows camp by hyper-extending his knee in a similar fashion to Walker.

Unlike Walker, Jenkins was able to play out the game with no obvious ill-effects.

"It didn't look good ... I had a quick look at the replay, it looked very similar to 'Tex' (Walker's) injury," Crows coach Brenton Sanderson said.

"I haven't caught up with the doctor yet but at half-time he said it was a hyper-extended knee but Josh just said it feels fine."

Taylor Walker heads back to his home town of Broken Hill following surgery on his knee.

"We keep talking to him obviously – it's hard to shut him up even when he's in Broken Hill," Crows coach Brenton Sanderson joked.

"We'll just leave him alone for a little while now, he's one that ebbs and flows coming back in rehab – he has good days and bad days."

Tom Lynch kicks 10.2 against GWS, joining Scott Hodges and Tony Modra as the only Crows to reach double figures in a game.

Lynch, who has struggled to get a game for most of his career at both St Kilda and Adelaide, booted six goals in the third quarter alone.

"I have always thought I was good enough to play at this level, but since coming to Adelaide the coaches have instilled a lot more confidence in me, a lot more trust in me through my hard work," Lynch said.

"It is sort of starting to pay off now, with me getting four games in a row. Hopefully I can keep contributing."

Andy Otten says he is determined to cement his place in the Crows' senior side in 2013 after being in and out of the team in 2012.

"I was sick of getting dropped and sick of getting left out of the team," Otten said.

"I didn't just want to go through the motions of training, I wanted to stand out a bit and get back to what I wanted to do best, which was be good aerially.

"You can go through the motions a little bit sometimes, but I really just wanted to stand out, catch the coach's eye and get into that side for round one.

"I knew if I got in the side and got another chance, I wouldn't let it slip this time."

As the Crows prepare to take on GWS, Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson says Jeremy Cameron and Daniel Talia are setting out on a great rivalry.

"Cameron v Talia would be a really juicy matchup for the fans," Sanderson said.

"Cameron's a star, he already is, when this side gets up and running he's going to be almost unstoppable. We obviously rate our boy too, 'Tails' is an absolute ripper."

Luke Brown signs a new deal with the Crows that will keep at the club until the end of 2015.

"We believe Luke will develop into an excellent player for us with versatility in either defence, where he is currently playing, or even up in the midfield in the future," Crows list manager David Noble said.

"It's a positive sign Luke wants to be part of our group and we are really pleased he has committed now."

With the Crows sitting at 2-4 after 6 games, Brent Reilly says the team must lift their training standards.

"We need to lift our standards up on the track. [I'm] not saying they're poor, but we just need to get back to that training standard we had last year," Reilly said.

"It's probably showing in our game we're not doing that consistently enough. We know what works and that's what makes us play well."

Umpires boss Jeff Gieschen admits Ray Chamberlain made an error which cost Adelaide's Scott Thompson a set shot at goal in the Crows' final quarter against the Hawks.

Chamberlain had penalised Thompson for pushing Hawks ruckman David Hale in a marking contest.

"The questions you have to ask are - was it a hand in the back? No … it was a bit of a touch in the shoulder, but certainly not a push-out," Gieschen said.

"So it was a mistake by the umpire and our coaches have spoken to Ray (Chamberlain) about that and he was comfortable with it as well. Just a mistake in this situation."

Lewis Johnston will miss eight weeks after injuring his left knee in the SANFL. Scans revealed a small fracture adjacent to his knee joint.

"It's really disappointing for Lewis because he's had a good start to the year in the SANFL and was pressing for senior selection," Crows football manager Phil Harper said.

"We'll support Lewis in his rehabilitation and look forward to him getting back and playing good footy again later in the season."

Taylor Walker will rely on a dead person's ligament to repair his damaged right knee.

Walker requires surgery to both his anterior cruciate ligament and lateral ligament. He'll use part of his own hamstring for his ACL reconstruction, but will rely on a donor for the lateral ligament.

"I'm actually going to get an allograft for my lateral ligament which I've torn as well, so someone that's passed away, I get a ligament from them," Walker said.

Brent Reilly is set to become a one-club player after re-signing with the Crows for two years. Fellow Crows Tom Lynch and Cameron Ellis-Yolmen have also inked new deals.

Following a season-ending knee injury to Taylor Walker, Adelaide football operations manager says the club's interest in Lance Franklin has firmed.

"Of course Buddy Franklin or somebody like that would be nice – whether he wants to come to Adelaide or not [I don't know]," Harper said.

"I know there's a few people putting their hands up for him and maybe we'll do that as well. If he was interested, we would certainly put something there."

Taylor Walker will miss the rest of the 2013 season after scans revealed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and damage to the lateral aspect of the joint in his right knee.

The Crows face a nervous 24 hours for news on the extent of Taylor Walker's knee injury suffered against the Blues.

"I've seen him this morning and he had a bit of a sleepless night, I guess he's very concerned, as we all are," Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson said on Channel Nine's The Sunday Footy Show.

"He's going to have scans tomorrow and it'll become a little bit clearer after that.

"It would be foolish of me to speculate on what the extent of the injury might be, but we've all got our fingers crossed it's not going to be an ACL."

Taylor Walker is subbed out of game the Crows round 5 clash against Blues with a knee injury.

"You always hate losing one of your best players early in a match but fingers crossed that it's not long-term," Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson said post-match.

"I've heard everything since I've been back in the changerooms. I've heard everything from worst case to he could play next week. It would be foolish for me to comment too much further on it until we know exactly what's going on."

Mick Malthouse likens bullocking Crows forward Taylor Walker to legendary goalkickers Tony Lockett and Jason Dunstall.

"He is the traditional (full-forward), that front-end player that's got great strength, (a) great kicking player that plays for his teammates and kicks goals," Malthouse said.

"When you trace that back along those lines to those sort of players, he is as close to those type of players, physically, as any player in the competition."

Josh Jenkins says his chemistry with Taylor Walker is starting to improve as the season progresses.

"I see things happening after the game when I watch the footage behind the goals and stuff like that," Jenkins said.

"I see his (Walker) movements, or my movements are sort of similar, so that's the way I realise we're starting to get there.

"Out on the field, once we're really gelling we'll sort of know where each other is at all times."

After averaging almost 20 disposals in three games in his debut season, Brad Crouch suffers a hamstring injury at training and is set to miss a couple of weeks.

"It doesn't look too serious, it might be two weeks but I'm just guessing," Crows coach Brenton Sanderson said.

"It is a setback for the kid because he's been in good form."

Scott Thompson will be ineligible for the Brownlow after unsuccessfully challenging his rough conduct charge at the Tribunal following a bump on Bulldog Brett Goodes.

"If I thought I was guilty of that I wouldn't be here tonight. I feel I've done nothing wrong," Thompson told the Tribunal.

Sam Kerridge says playing a run-with role on Bulldog Ryan Griffen in just his second game was an invaluable learning experience.

"It was good, it was something that allowed me to chase around a very good player for four quarters, or three and a half, just to see how they go about it," Kerridge said.

"Just to see where they run, when they run and how they go about it, the decisions they make. [It] was obviously great for my development and something I'll put in the memory bank."

Crows skipper Nathan Van Berlo will spend four weeks on the sidelines after suffering bone bruising against Port Adelaide.

Scott Thompson will serve as captain of the club in Van Berlo's absence.

Adelaide starts 2013 with a 1-2 record following a showdown loss to the Power and Crows coach Brenton Sanderson identifies Sam Jacobs as one who must rediscover his 2012 form.

"He's one of our players that needs to lift and he knows that, we're not getting the dominance that we used to in there," Sanderson said.

"He's one player that's going to have to find some form pretty quickly."

Bombers assistant coach Simon Goodwin becomes the latest Essendon figure to become embroiled in the club's supplements scandal.

The ABC's 7.30 program has published text message exchanges pertaining to be between Goodwin and controversial sports scientist Stephen Dank.

In the texts, from July last year, Goodwin reportedly asks Dank to supply him with "the good stuff" and "good gear."

"Don't forget the good gear mate," Goodwin reportedly writes on a text sent to Dank on July 5, 2012.

One week later, Goodwin reportedly writes: "Sorry mate forgot to see you yesterday. Am heading to Adelaide today can you please bring some of the good stuff in buddy."

Andy Otten will play his 50th game against Port Adelaide in round 3 and says he enjoys the feeling of always having to fight for his spot in the side.

"I don't think I ever feel quite secure and I think that's the way I've got to play as well - each week I have to play as if I'm playing for my spot," Otten said.

"I never want to feel safe and comfortable because that's when you can slip and I really don't want that to happen.

"I'm making sure I'm doing everything right…I just want to tick all the boxes and never get complacent."

Sam Shaw is placed on Adelaide's long-term injury list after suffering a grade two tear to his left hamstring at training.

"Sam is an important player in our team and we want to make 100 per cent sure he's fit and ready to go for the second half of the season," Adelaide's general manager of football administration Phil Harper said.

Jared Petrenko says an interchange cap may threaten the careers of players who play with high intensity such as himself.

"I think it'd a bit odd considering they say they'd like to quicken the game up, then they're saying they want to slow it down - it's all a bit confusing to me," Petrenko said.

"Players like Cyril Rioli and Lewis Jetta, the players that people go and watch footy to see, it might limit their impact and the excitement they bring to this game.

"Hopefully the cap isn't too low because players like myself will definitely struggle with it."

Nathan Van Berlo accepts a reprimand and 45 demerit points after deciding not to challenge the MRP's charge for striking Brisbane's Tom Rockliff.

Young stars Brad Crouch and Ollie Wines look likely to face off against each other in the first showdown of 2013 between the Crows and the Power.

"A lot of our young guys look up to 'Crouchy' and the way he's been going about his footy and I've got no doubt the Port Adelaide young guys would be the same with Ollie Wines," Crows captain Nathan van Berlo said.

"They set a great example and they certainly do bring energy to the group when they come on game day…we've seen the way Ollie Wines attacks the footy, and Crouchy's fearless as well."

Nathan Van Berlo's clean record may finally be tarnished after the Crows skipper was charged with striking Lions midfielder Tom Rockliff.

"I don't know what more I could have done in that situation, I was just trying to get the ball out as we're instructed to do as players," Van Berlo said.

"I'll have a chat with the relevant people at the footy club to see if it's worth challenging that to keep my clean record. There was no intent there other than to clear the ball."

Brad Crouch makes an impressive debut for the Crows with 18 disposals against Brisbane at the Gabba in a 19-point win to Adelaide.

"I've been with the boys for over a year now, so you know everyone well, you know everyone's real strengths and stuff like that, so you do feel really comfortable," Crouch said.

"[But] travelling away, and also my parents came up to the game…it definitely still did feel like a debut."

The AFLPA and Crows express disappointment at embarrassing footage of Ricky Henderson in the training rooms being published in the media.

"The Adelaide Football Club asks that out of respect for the privacy of player Ricky Henderson, media outlets do not publish the footage or stills from halftime," the Crows said in a statement.

"Disappointing the footage of Ricky Henderson aired. We'll follow up to find out why. Cameras in place on basis player privacy respected," AFLPA general manager Ian Prendergast tweeted.

Defender Luke Young is cleared of a broken foot fears after scans reveal only bone bruising during the Crows' loss to Essendon in round one.

Rory Sloane says teammate Taylor Walker is ready for the extra attention which will inevitably come his way in 2013 from opposition defenders.

"They will (sit on Walker) and that's going to be a tough challenge for him," Sloane said.

"But he's had a great pre-season. He's looking very strong, probably stronger than last year, and I think he'll manage those expectations."

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson believes Richard Tambling will have an impact on the side in 2013.

"He can't do much more to impress the coaching staff, the work he's done this summer has been outstanding and he's going to get his opportunity this year," Sanderson said.

"He needs to have a big season, a contract season, and I'm sure he's going to play well ... He's one I think will play a lot of footy this year for us."

Nathan Van Berlo signs a three-year deal with the Crows.

"It was a no-brainer for me to make the decision to stay. With the direction the club is heading in at the moment, I certainly want to be a part of it and I'm really excited to be here for another three years," van Berlo said about his decision to sign.

Van Berlo also takes a swipe at former teammate Kurt Tippett for leaving under controversial circumstances last year.

"I guess that was a clear example to the playing group of feelings that occur when you don't want to be a part of the playing group," van Berlo said about Tippett's mannger of departure.

"It wasn't handled well from his point of view and the players certainly reacted accordingly to that and felt like they were let down.

"They've seen ways they shouldn't do it, if they choose to leave our system, but I don't think we'll have that case to deal with any time soon."

Jason Porplyzia believes painkillers may be the cause of his recent bout with stomach ulcers.

"They think [anti-inflammatories] might be a possible reason but we're still actually not too sure, still waiting on results so we'll just wait and see I guess," Porplyzia said.

"It was a bit worrying at the time, but obviously I was in good hands with the doctors at the football club, so I guess if you were going to have a scare like that it was nice to have it at the football club."

Daniel Talia signs a new three-year deal with Adelaide.

"I love playing alongside the boys here, and under Sando (coach Brenton Sanderson) and Dasher (Darren Milburn)," Talia said.

"The culture is really good. We've got a core group of guys around my age and I'm enjoying being in Adelaide.

"Hopefully, the team has some success over the next few years and I want to be a part of that."

Patrick Dangerfield had a breakout season in 2012, but Adelaide assistant coach Scott Camporeale believes the explosive midfielder still has room for improvement.

"That's scary if he takes it to another level, there's going to be some fireworks," Camporeale said.

"He's really improved, particularly over the past 12 months, he's a great student to work with – he listens and he's trying to get better all the time."

Jason Porplyzia is rushed to hospital after the Crows' NAB Cup win over Carlton due to a stomach ulcer but the club says he should be fit for round one.

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson says he has seen enough of Josh Jenkins during the pre-season to know that he can be an effective forward and ruckman for the Crows.

"I think we can still use him in the ruck, I think in his last two or three games he's shown enough," Sanderson said.

"He still needs to improve and he's working really hard behind the scenes to improve his ruck work, but he's a really exciting and dynamic player and the more work he gets into him the better."

Jason Porplyzia believes he is over his injury worries and is looking forward to the season ahead after a solid pre-season.

"I've had a really good summer and I just can't wait to get stuck into it," Porplyzia said.

"I had surgery in the off season and that went really well and since Christmas I've done every session.

"The shoulder's not really an issue any more; when you get to my age, you can't worry too much about it.''

Crow Daniel Talia says teammate Aidan Riley earnt his nickname "Pig Dog" by being one of the hardest players at the club.

"He's one of the hardest blokes going around, he tackles like crazy and in all the wrestling and boxing we do he's just fearless. I think a few of the boys are scared of him," Talia said.

"He gets in and under the packs and takes guys out with tackles, so he's highly-regarded in that contested ball area."

Sam Jacobs says he wants to build on his excellent 2012 season and to improve his game even further.

"That's part of my game to go to a new level as well, taking control a lot more, not only midfield but if I'm resting forward, just having that confidence to tell blokes no matter who it is, where we need to improve," Jacobs said.

"I don't want to be a flash in the pan and just be a one-year good player, for me the challenge is to continue the high standard I set last year."

Sam Jacobs signs a three-year deal with Adelaide, keeping him at the club until the end of 2016.

Crows chairman Rob Chapman says assistant coach Dean Bailey will still be a significant asset to the club despite a 16-match ban from match-day and training duties.

"He is still going to have a fair influence on this football club," Chapman said.

"He is not keeping his job out of our loyalty to him. Dean will earn his keep and he will contribute to the success of this football club."

X-rays confirm that Brodie Smith has a broken collarbone and will miss eight weeks with the injury.

Brodie Smith suffers a suspected broken collarbone during Adelaide's NAB Cup win against Port Adelaide.

"The doctor said to me down the line he suspects it'll be a broken collarbone which is a six- to eight-week injury, but we won't know until he has x-rays tomorrow," Crows coach Brenton Sanderson said.

"It's disappointing, such an important young player for us, had had an excellent year last year so it'll test our depth."

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson says he is certain Crows assistant coach Dean Bailey will be cleared of any wrongdoing from the AFL's investigation into allegations of tanking by Melbourne.

"Dean's under investigation at the moment, but in the 12 months he's been working with us he's been outstanding and I'm really thankful for the support he's given me," Sanderson said.

"I know the investigation's close to coming to an end, I'm really confident that Dean's name's going to be cleared, so at this stage no, there's no plan B."

Nathan van Berlo will captain the Crows for a third consecutive year, with Rory Sloane, Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Thompson, Sam Jacobs and Jason Porplyzia joining him in the leadership group.

"VB is the complete package when it comes to leadership," Crows coach Brenton Sanderson said.

"He leads by example and he understands our game plan - he is an extension of the coaching group in that respect. His relationship with the whole squad is fantastic.

"He lives the values of the club and of the players. He is the ultimate role model for our young players and the entire squad."

Crows skipper Nathan van Berlo says he is surprised at an ACC investigation into widespread drug use in Australian sport.

"If you know it's illegal, you know you're pushing the boundaries and you've got to face the consequences if you are caught," van Berlo said.

"My advice to any young player or any player who is thinking along those lines is that it's simply not worth it."

After stepping up during the Crows' finals series last year, Brodie Smith hopes to take his game to another level in 2013 and will use the upcoming NAB Cup to prove himself.

"I was really happy with my finals series, it gave me a lot of confidence going into this pre-season to keep improving," Smith said.

"Talking about these spots up for grabs, you don't want to try and use [the NAB Cup] as a tune up and [then] someone comes in and plays better than you and takes your spot.

"I've just got to approach every game like I would in a normal season and just play my best footy and try and get that spot."

With Michael Doughty's retirement, Luke Brown knows that a spot is available for him in defence if he is good enough to take it.

"Michael was a great leader for defenders in general and everyone around here," Brown said.

"The way he went about it and the way he went through his career – hard at it, helping out his teammates; I admire him a lot.

"The career he had was amazing, so to play anywhere close to the level he did would be exceptional for me."

Brown also says playing under former Crow Nathan Bassett for Norwood in the SANFL was greatly beneficial to his development as a defender.

"In my first year at Norwood (2011), Nathan gave me the confidence to play my way and run with the ball and do what I can," Brown said.

"That was probably why I had a such a good year and got drafted – the confidence to play week in week out with the Redlegs.

"I was in a bit of contact with him (Bassett) throughout last year just trying to figure out how to take the next step and he was really helpful."

Patrick Dangerfield says teammate Taylor Walker is just as good a forward as Hawk superstar Lance Franklin.

"He kicks a goal just about better than anyone in the competition. I think he'll be a force to be reckoned with up forward for us," Dangerfield said.

"On his day, Buddy Franklin's very good, but I think Taylor Walker has the potential to be just as good a forward as him."

New Gold Coast conditioning coach Stephen Schwerdt says the Suns are the equal to Adelaide on the track.

"I've only got one club to compare them to, but they stack up equally, if not better in most areas, in regards to work ethic, attitude to do all the right things, attention to detail, their hardness to train - that's all elite, and for me has been a highlight," Schwerdt said.

"Something I prided our team on in Adelaide was that they did that well and we created that culture over a number of years.

"I feel like we've got a bit of a head start here because a lot of that has been established already."

With the departure of Kurt Tippett from the Crows, expectations on Josh Jenkins to step up in 2013 have increased.

"Guys obviously give you a little bit more encouragement and coaches subconsciously probably put a bit more time into you with that position up for grabs," Jenkins said.

"I'm lucky that I've got some athletic traits that not many guys my size have and I want to take advantage of those.

"I've been able to score PBs in pretty much all my running, so hopefully that will stand me in good stead and help get me through the whole year instead of only two thirds, which was what happened last year."

Crows assistant coach Mark Bickley says Shaun McKernan must work on his consistency.

"That's one of the things we're continuing to work on with Shaun," Bickley said.

"He's been a bit guilty of (it) when he hasn't played well, the contribution has been quite small. We want to narrow the gap between his best and his worst."

Premiership player Nigel Smart rejoins the Crows in a new role as chief operating officer.

"Nigel Smart is highly accomplished and brings to our club an irresistible blend of achievement as a manager, businessman and footballer," Crows chairman Rob Chapman said about the appointment.

"Nigel knows business and he knows football. He has a record of success both inside and outside the Adelaide Football Club as a leader of people and builder of businesses. We chose him in an exacting national selection process from a first-class field of candidates."

Crows chairman Rob Chapman is confident the AFL's tanking probe won't lead to any individual charges against assistant coach Dean Bailey during his time as head coach of the Demons.

"I know and understand Dean's version of events and I don't think he has a case as an individual to answer to, but that's up to the AFL to decide," Chapman said.

"All we're focusing on at the moment is making sure Dean has the right advice and the right support around him which I'm confident he does have and let's get his response back into the AFL and then the ball is back in their court for the next move.''

Former Melbourne coach, and now Adelaide assistant coach, Dean Bailey hires the services of lawyer Chris Pollard to defend claims he brought the game into disrepute by deliberately failing to coach the Demons with the intention of winning during his second season in charge.

Bailey has been interviewed three times by the AFL's investigations department, which has served him, Melbourne chief executive Cameron Schwab and ex-football manager Chris Connolly with a 1000-page dossier containing the findings of the league's five-month tanking probe.

Kurt Tippett completes his long-awaited move to Sydney after being picked up by the Swans with pick 11 in the pre-season draft.

"We set out, it seems like a long time ago now, to get Kurt Tippett to our football club," Sydney coach John Longmire said.

"To be able to do that today, we're very pleased.

"In the end the result for the footy club is we get him through the door and we think he'll be a good footballer for us for a long time."

Nick Joyce is a Crow again after Adelaide used pick No. 10 in the NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft to reclaim the midfielder it was forced to delist at the height of the Kurt Tippett saga.

The promise of further success will override Swan concerns about Kurt Tippett's hefty salary demands, coach John Longmire says.

"When you haven't had access to top 10 draft selections, like we haven't had too much over a long time, it makes it difficult," Longmire said.

"You need to keep doing everything right, which we try to do, but if we're able to get a player like Kurt, he could help us be competitive.

"Now if we don't get him, we still think we can be competitive, but we have to make sure we continue to do things right all the time."

The GWS Giants say they won't select key forward Kurt Tippett in the pre-season draft as his pay demands are too high.

"Internally we established a value for Kurt Tippett based on his capabilities and whilst we were hopeful, his terms submitted confirmed that we are simply not in a position to pay what he wants, particularly for a player who will miss most of the year through suspension" Giants' CEO David Matthews said.

The AFLPA is set to appoint an investigator to probe Peter Blucher, Kurt Tippett's manager, following the player's 11-match ban.

Banned Crows CEO Steven Trigg denies he's a cheat and says Kurt Tippett's illegal contract was due to external pressures imposed on the club at the time.

"In terms of did we pay more than we were supposed to in terms of the salary cap? No. Did we really get an advantage in terms of that trade clause in the end? No," Trigg said.

"The tabloids will go down a path of using that word (cheat). I just know, I need to look myself in the mirror forever on this ... (I have a) quite really clear conscience.

"There were concerns about aspects of it, not necessarily essence of it. It was a deal that was produced under pressure and under real time pressure as well."

Player agent Peter Blucher faces possible deregistration for his role in the Kurt Tippett saga.

There's a broader role here for player agents. They are also culpable. If they want to get involved in anything that is potentially damaging to the integrity of the code, they also want to be on watch, because we won't tolerate it," AFL chief Andrew Demetriou said.

The Sydney Swans say they will still pursue Kurt Tippett despite the fact he has been banned for half a season.

Although today's decision is obviously a disappointing setback for Kurt, we have always seen Kurt as a long-term player," Swans football manager Dean Moore said.

"And we will go to the pre-season draft with the intention of selecting him if he's available at our pick."

Kurt Tippett has released a statement after the AFL announced he has been banned for 11 games.

"I trusted the Adelaide Football Club and for the duration of my contract I did my utmost for the club on and off the field. It is bitterly disappointing, then, to learn that my trust and best endeavours have been to my substantial detriment," Tippett said in the statement.

Only during the recent AFL trade period did I learn that some terms in the Adelaide offer may have contravened AFL rules, and since that point I and all parties associated with me have co-operated fully with the AFL in its investigations."

The AFL Commission has suspended Kurt Tippett for 11 home and away games and the NAB Cup, and barred Adelaide from the first two rounds of next season's NAB AFL Draft for draft tampering.

Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick outlined the sanctions on Friday evening, following a marathon nine-hour hearing at AFL House.

Tippett has also been fined $50,000 and the Crows $300,000.

Adelaide has reportedly confirmed it will not challenge the salary cap cheating allegations involving Kurt Tippett.

"We've had some engaging discussions with the AFL, we're contrite and I care about upholding the integrity of the competition as much as anyone,' Crows chairman Rob' Chapman said.

"What I want now is to get the right overall outcome for our club. I can't afford to take chances that could harm my club more than it needs to be harmed.

"We're ready to face up to it on Friday, minimise the risk to the club and get the best outcome possible because we know that the integrity of the competition is paramount."

Coach Kevin Sheedy says GWS may decide Kurt Tippett isn't worth the price he puts on his head.

"Either way if we don't get him, then I hope Sydney do," Sheedy said.

"It's great for AFL in Sydney, we want to get a player like that, we need a ruck-forward, that's the way I'm looking at it.

"That will complement the height and the structure of the team as we set sail into the next three or four years of where we hope to get to."

Kurt Tippett has delisted himself from the Crows and nominated for the pre-season draft.

The Giants say they will strongly consider picking up Kurt Tippett in the pre-season draft should he become available.

"Like everyone we are waiting the outcome of the AFL Commission hearing," a Giants spokesman said.

"We also want to see the terms on which Kurt Tippett will nominate for the draft.

"We are naturally interested in a player of his calibre but a decision on drafting him will also be determined by affordability and with respect to the process outlined by the AFL."

Joel Tippett has fielded interest from AFL clubs, including Sydney where his brother Kurt Tippett is linked.

"I've had quite a few clubs enquire about him because he's a great kid," West Adelaide coach Andrew Collins said.

"Sydney's been in the mix along with a few other clubs, so it will be interesting to see where he ends up.

"But I'm sure he'll get rookie-listed somewhere because he is a beauty and could certainly make the step up to the AFL."

Brad Crouch says he is ready for the AFL after being forced to watch from the sidelines in 2012.

"I think I'm pretty lucky because I've had the year to develop, so I think that's the big thing. Once you do that there's no reason why you shouldn't be ready," Crouch said.

"I've moved out of home, learning to cook and clean and stuff like that when if I had have been at home Mum would have been doing everything for me.

"So it helped me a lot as a person [and it was] also [a] huge help with my footy as well."

The dramatic Kurt Tippett salary cap scandal costs the Adelaide Crows powerhouse Glenelg forward Tim O'Brien whom they would have selected with pick 20 had they not given up their first round pick.

O'Brien was snapped up by Hawthorn at pick 28 while the Crows had to wait until pick 62 for their first selection which they used on Sam Siggins.

"We liked him a lot, along with Sam Siggins" Adelaide recruiting manager Hamish Ogilvie said of O'Brien.

"Obviously, the local (O'Brien) would have got the nod if we'd still had pick 20 but they're both quality blokes with great temperaments.

"We would have loved to have been in a position to draft Timmy but we weren't, so good luck to the Hawks and we wish Timmy all the best there."

In Sam Siggins, Adelaide believes they have found a gem for the backline, robbed in recent years by the departures of Nathan Bock and Phil Davis.

"We did a lot of work into Sam," Adelaide list manager David Noble said of Siggins.

"His ground level ball is fantastic. He's a good decision-maker, good kick and diligent worker, so his profile was really strong."

After giving up two early draft picks in the 2012 national draft, the Crows pick up Lauderdale's Sam Siggins with pick 62 and Calder Cannon Rory Atkins with number 81.

"He's been ranked as one of the top 30 kids in Australia in his year and we've picked him up in the 80s," Ogilvie said of Atkins.

"He's a bubbly kid, enthusiastic, got a bit of cheek, he'll enjoy our club.

"I like these two players a lot and I'm really rapt we've got them at the footy club."

Kurt Tippett is reported by the Herald Sun to be considering a Supreme Court injunction in an effort to force the Crows to delist him so he can join the Sydney Swans.

Beleaguered Adelaide relinquishes its first two picks in Thursday's draft as a 'goodwill gesture' towards resolving the ongoing Kurt Tippett saga.

"We see this as a pragmatic gesture made in good faith. It's all about seeking the best overall outcome for the Adelaide Football Club," Crows chairman Rob Chapman said.

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said the move would work in the Crows' favour.

"Absolutely, I think this is definitely something that will be taken into account in Adelaide's favour as an appropriate step should they be found guilty," Anderson said.

"I think it's better for the game ... in all the circumstances and they should get credit and will get credit for that."

The Age reports on the lucrative offer made by the Swans to Kurt Tippett.

The deal is reported to be worth $3.5 million for four years, with a conditional two-year extension for season 2017 and 2018 worth close to another $2 million.

Should Tippett become a Swan, he will earn $700,000 for the first year, $900,000 for the second, and $957,000 for 2015 and 2016.

If the two-year extension is activated, he would receive just under a $1million for each season.

Nick Joyce has nominated for the pre-season draft, in order to give the Crows another live pick in Thursday's NAB AFL Draft.

The AFL has announced that it will hear matters surrounding the Kurt Tippett saga at AFL House on Friday, November 30.

Kurt Tippett will go down as the greatest villain in the history of the Adelaide Football Club, according to one of his former teammates.

"Kurt's name is absolute mud at the footy club," the player, speaking on the condition of anonimity, said.

"The playing group cannot believe how badly he has treated them and the club which invested so heavily in him.

"First he told us he was leaving via text message, rather than face to face, then he went against his word and demanded a trade to Sydney when all along he had told the club he would only leave if it was to go home to Queensland.

"Now he is dragging the club's name through the mud, which has affected the entire playing group."

New Tiger Chris Knights says he feels fresh and ready for pre-season after avoiding post-season surgery.

"I've had some unfortunate things; a foot in 2010, some hips things and a few other little bits and pieces in the last three years so it has been a bit frustrating," Knights said about having to deal with injuries in the past.

"I was saying to some of the boys this is going to be the first pre-season I haven't had surgery for awhile so it's been good."

Patrick Dangerfield's manager Paul Connors ays his client's third-party deal did not breach AFL rules despite media speculation to the contrary.

"Patrick had a 12-month arrangement with Alan Sheppard," Connors said.

"This was approved by the AFL. Patrick has had a relationship with Allan since he was 18 years of age and Alan continues to be a friend and mentor.

"The deal came about from Patrick's relationship with Alan. As far as we're concerned it's completely by the book."

Kurt Tippett's legal team looks at its options after the adjournment of salary cap hearing puts his future in doubt.

"I'm disappointed the matter is not going ahead but I can understand why. I'm disappointed because the matter needs to be resolved," Tippett's lawyer, David Galbally QC, said.

"This involves very complicated and difficult issues and it can't be prepared overnight."

Adelaide will keep its 2012 draft picks after being granted more time to prepare its defence of the Kurt Tippett salary cap scandal.

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson says Brad Crouch is set to make an impact in 2013.

"If Brad's in our best 22, we'll play him and I'm sure a lot of weeks he will be," Sanderson said.

"At the same time, we have to be realistic with our expectations. He only turns 19 in January, so he's still learning and we won't rush him.

"It's been so beneficial having a year to develop him in our system. He knows the game plan already and he's got an AFL body now compared to the kids in the draft pool this year."

Nathan van Berlo's manager Colin Young has emphatically denied his client has benefited from unapproved third-party agreements.

"That was news to me, it's news to Nathan and from our point of view it's a load of rubbish," Young said.

"If you're going to make a comment like that, then back it up with facts."

Following the spotlight on Adelaide's dealings with Kurt Tippett, the Crows could be in further trouble, with reports the AFL is investigating a third-party payment to captain Nathan van Berlo.

South Australian bakery, Balfours, is linked to allegedly illegal third party payments to Kurt Tippett, as the salary cap saga deepens.

Adelaide has sent a letter to its members, saying it is being misrepresented by media reporters and their take on Kurt Tippett's contract.

"Throughout the past three years and the recent trading period, it was always the club's intention to comply fully with all AFL rules on the draft and player payments," the letter said.

"We look forward to the hearing next Monday and then being able explain directly to you and all our members, sponsors and supporters exactly what happened, why it happened and how it happened."

Adelaide delists Nick Joyce due to the Kurt Tippett saga to make room for the required three picks at the upcoming national draft.

Adelaide list manager David Noble said the club intended to re-draft Joyce but, given it could be stripped of early picks by the AFL Commission at Monday's hearing into the Tippett affair, there is a risk the teenager could be snapped up by another team.

"The club is working closely with Nick's management and discussing the variety of options, with Nick's welfare being of the highest importance," Noble said.

Adelaide, its CEO Stephen Trigg and football manager Phil Harper face new AFL charges over Kurt Tippett's 2009 contract.

A letter has reportedly emerged that suggests Adelaide officials tried to cover their tracks over the contentious Kurt Tippett contract.

The Giants delist ruckman Dean Brogan, creating possible space on their list for Adelaide's Kurt Tippett who faces charges for breaching AFL player rules.

"We obviously respect the AFL Commission hearing and await their findings," Giants football manager Graeme Allan said.

"We also want to see the terms on which Kurt Tippett will nominate for the draft."

Gold Coast's Taylor Hine and Port Adelaide's Ben Jacobs have nominated for the draft, but contentious Crow Kurt Tippett hasn't as he faces charges that he breached AFL player rules.

The Adelaide Crows, player Kurt Tippett, chief executive Stephen Trigg and former football manager John Reid have each been charged by the AFL and ordered to front the AFL Commission later this month.

They are each facing two charges of 'engaging in conduct prejudicial to the draft' and salary cap breaches.

Adelaide could have had Mitch Clark in a straight swap deal for Kurt Tippett last year if the Crows had put the right offer to him.

"Adelaide never came up, never ever came up," Clark's manager Colin Young said.

"Mitch would have gone. There's no problems with Adelaide, they're a great club. You wouldn't mind any player going there.

"In the end Melbourne's presentation was too good to refuse (but) the Crows could have matched the offer."

Adelaide Crows were prepared to cash in and trade Kurt Tippett to Brisbane Lions last year for a boom SA youngster and a draft pick.

"If Polec or Redden was offered to us then Kurt would probably be a Brisbane player now," said a source from the Crows, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"Kurt was under contract at the time but we feared we might lose him at the end of this year anyway so we tried to work what we thought would be a good deal for both clubs.

"Jared was certainly keen to come home but unfortunately Brisbane didn't come to the party."

Jonathon Patton says he and fellow forward Jeremy Cameron would benefit from having Kurt Tippett at the Giants.

"If Kurt came to the Giants it would be awesome for the club," Patton said.

"He's hitting his prime and he has already shown what sort of a player he is. If he comes here, Jeremy and I will be looking forward to working with him in the forward line."

Brisbane coach Michael Voss says the club has largely moved on from pursuing Kurt Tippett.

"We're planning [next week's training camp in] Arizona, we're planning pre-season, we've been more than happy with the progress of our players," he said.

"Our list is coming together pretty well. We participated in the trade and got what we wanted and now we move on. Our planning is now well and truly into the 2013 season."

GWS confirms it may make a play for Kurt Tippett after Israel Folau quit the club on Thursday.

"We've still got to work out what that means and what are the terms and conditions in which he might enter one of the drafts," GWS chief executive Dave Matthews said.

"So the next couple of weeks Gubby Allan and Steve Silvagni will work with the coaches to do their due diligence on him, but we're certainly in there for Kurt Tippett."

GWS has confirmed it will take Kurt Tippett in the national or pre-season draft if it can afford him.

"Now that it looks like Kurt Tippett is into one of the next couple of drafts clearly it means he is someone we should be discussing. We did that today, we had a football sub-committee and Sheeds was in that. He was the subject of plenty of discussons," Giants CEO Dave Matthews said.

A leading Victorian Barrister says the AFL is risking legal action if Kurt Tippett is deregistered as a player.

"It's a very serious matter to take a professional athlete's ability to earn a living away from him because of a breach of a policy which prima facie is unlawful because it's in restraint of trade," Victorian QC Paul Ehrlich said.

"It'd then be for the AFL to justify that that policy was necessary for the preservation of the game. I don't know any lawyers that take the view that the AFL restraint would survive a challenge in the courts."

The AFL Players' union says it is disappointed at how the Kurt Tippett saga has unfolded.

Whilst we understand the gravity of the allegations being investigated by the AFL, and respect the AFL's role, it's incredibly disappointing that Kurt Tippett hasn't been able to secure a trade today," AFLPA Player Relations Manager Ian Prendergast said.

"Particularly given that for the past three years the player has been of the understanding that the club had committed to a trade happening."

Adelaide insists it went to the AFL and revealed all the details of the Kurt Tippett contract, as investigators move in.

"We are the ones who initiated the investigation and we are the ones who brought on this extra examination," Crows CEO Steven Trigg said.

"The extra examination is really because what this whole situation throws up is doubt and we want to eliminate doubt.

"We've invited the AFL to send in their forensic guys, work through the whole lot and make sure, so that at the end of it we can sit there and we can say, 'right, everything's clear'."

Adelaide had little chance of finding Kurt Tippett a new home by the end of the trade deadline after the AFL confirmed it would not accept a trade in line with the one under investigation.

"Once Kurt nominated the Swans as his preferred club, we entered the trade period with the intention of securing a suitable trade," Swans CEO Andrew Ireland said.

"Our position on Kurt has not changed, and pending the outcome of the AFL's current investigation, we remain committed to recruiting Kurt for the 2013 season."

The AFL is investigating an additional $200,000 reported to have been paid to Tippett by the Crows outside of his playing contract.

Adelaide chairman Rob Chapman confesses to a secret, and potentially inappropriate, deal with Kurt Tippett and says the club will cop any penalty the AFL deems appropriate.

"It was the right thing to do ... there was no alternative here," Chapman told Adelaide radio station 5AA about coming clean to the AFL.

"We will take whatever comes out of it."

The AFL has launched an investigation into Kurt Tippett's 2009 Adelaide contract, as the Crows consult lawyers.

"The Australian Football League wishes to advise it has recently become aware of a matter regarding the contracting of player Kurt Tippett to the Adelaide Crows in 2009, to cover the 2010-2012 AFL seasons," a statement from the AFL read.

Discussions between Adelaide and Sydney remain stalled as Crows list manager David Noble says the club is exploring all options in return for Kurt Tippett.

"What we are working towards is the best goddamn deal we can get for our club," Noble said.

As Kurt Tippett's move to Sydney is hours away from being sealed, media commentators criticize the rumoured swap of Jesse White and the Swans' pick 22 as being largely inadequate for the Crows.

"Adelaide will be ripped off,'' Wallace said on AFL Trade Radio.

"Adelaide wants to be seen as a strong club, but it has shown no strength - it has been led by the nose in negotiations," inaugural Crows coach Graham Cornes said on Radio FIVEaa.

"They should stand firm and have Tippett go to the draft rather than roll over."

GWS enter the race for Kurt Tippett after trade talks between Adelaide Crows and Sydney Swans appear to have stalled.

"Where it stands at the minute is the Crows are in discussions with the Swans," Giants list manager Stephen Silvagni said.

"They're trying to get the deal done. We've inquired about Kurt Tippett to Adelaide and if the Swans deal falls through we're around."

Gold Coast has 'moved on' from trying to lure Kurt Tippett, even if no agreement is reached between the Crows and Swans.

"His decision has been made. We respect that and we move on with what we need to do," Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft said.

"We have some priorities of our own that we need to achieve."

Adelaide says they may dump key forward Kurt Tippett to the national or pre-season draft if no deal can be reached with Sydney.

"We've got rid of a bloke who doesn't want to be at the footy club; that's already a win," Crows list manager David Noble said.

"It would be bad luck and it would be an unfortunate situation. But that can happen."

Former Crows recruiting boss Matt Rendell says Shaun McKernan is more than capable of filling Kurt Tippett's role at the Crows.

"I've been saying for two years that if McKernan plays in Tippett's spot he might be of more value," Rendell said.

"He won't miss the sitters, he'll kick them (goals) from outside 50 and he'll get the ones on the ground.

"And he's a better ruckman than Kurt, too, because he can move around the ground better."

Adelaide player Josh Jenkins says most Crows players are disappointed with the way Kurt Tippett has left the club.

"I couldn't imagine spending several years at the one club, only to leave and burn almost all the bridges that had been built over the years," Jenkins wrote in a column for the Adelaide Advertiser.

"I am not saying Kurt no longer has friends or positive relationships at the Crows. But most from West Lakes would have some right to be disappointed in his actions."

Small forward Ian Callinan has been upgraded to Adelaide's main list for 2013.

"Ian was always part of our plans for next season but we needed to delay the decision to upgrade him until we had a closer look at our primary list numbers through the early stages of the trade and free agency periods," Crows list manager David Noble said.

"He had a strong season, polled club champion votes in a lot of games, was our second highest goal kicker and was also a strong leader and mentor off the field."

Adelaide has re-signed young defender Luke Thompson.

"His form in the last two finals was very good which was no surprise as we know Luke's capabilities," Crows football operations manager Phil Harper said about Thompson.

"He had a frustrating year trying to break into the senior side and we are really pleased that despite this he has decided to stay with the club, as he sees a bright future for this team."

Sydney chief executive Andrew Ireland says no "gentleman's agreement" between Adelaide and Kurt Tippett would be influencing ongoing discussions between the Swans and the Crows.

"People keep talking about an agreement - to my knowledge there isn't any agreement in his contract that says that he must be traded for a certain amount [of compensation]," Ireland said.

"The only thing I would say is we've got a history of being able to finalise deals. We're hopeful that we can do that again."

Adelaide will chase the "best commercial deal" for Kurt Tippett, rejecting any talk of a "gentleman's agreement" that would allow the key forward to walk to the Swans for only a second round draft pick.

"That was three years ago...and some people have selective memories," Adelaide Crows chairman Rob Chapman said.

Chapman also questioned the salary cap concessions that allowed the Swans to put up big money to lure Tippett to Sydney.

"It was a great idea at the start to give Sydney that extra assistance that was required (to lure players to the Swans from traditional markets)," Chapman said.

"But when the Swans have just won a premiership and allegedly can offer $1 million to entice a player such as Kurt Tippett to their club, I'd say the model is not right for today."

Brisbane Lions chairman Angus Johnson says his club feels restricted without the salary cap concessions that Sydney receive after the Swans secured the services of Kurt Tippett with a superior offer.

"If anyone had reason to complain about Sydney's salary cap relief it would be the Brisbane Lions. We put a good offer to a player who wanted to come home (Tippett) but obviously money speaks volumes," Johnson said.

"We are the only club in the emerging states that doesn't receive salary cap relief and we sometimes feel we are operating with one hand tied behind our back."

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett calls on the AFL to immediately revoke Sydney's salary cap concessions after the Swans splurged on a four-year deal believed to be worth up to $4 million to lure Kurt Tippett to the club.

"Sydney should no longer be treated any differently to the other established clubs," Kennett said.

"It was never meant to be set up for all time, but it has become ingrained."

Kurt Tippett's manager Peter Blucher calls on Adelaide to honour a 'gentlemen's agreement' and ensure his client gets to the Swans.

"There is a commitment by the club to Kurt to help get him to the club of his choice and that's what we'll be asking them to do, as per the commitment they've given him," Blucher said on Melbourne radio station SEN.

"[Adelaide chief executive] Steven Trigg and [football manager] Phil Harper are people of the utmost integrity, it's certainly not for me to question that, so we'd be very comfortable and confident that that deal will get done."

Kurt Tippett's manager Peter Blucher says the Swans moved quickly on his client after their 2012 premiership to secure his services.

"Andrew Ireland and John Longmire interrupted their premiership celebrations to go to the Gold Coast and see Kurt and his parents and we had a long, detailed and outstanding conversation," Blucher said.

"Kurt went away surfing for a few days, came back yesterday and said, 'Bingo'."

Kurt Tippett has dropped a footy bombshell, saying he wants a move to Sydney instead of returning home to Queensland.

"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.

"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."

Scott Thompson says he never thought Kurt Tippett would stay a Crow.

"I had convinced myself that he wasn't going to be here, purely [on] the fact that he hadn't signed," Thompson said.

"If he wanted to be here, with the ups and downs he's had this year with concussions and what not, if he wanted to stay he would have signed a long time ago.

"The fact that he didn't, I pretty much got my head around the fact that he was leaving, that's proven to be the case."

Scott Thompson has claimed consecutive club champion awards, following in the footsteps of two Adelaide greats, Simon Goodwin and Mark Ricciuto.

Thompson won the award with 112 votes ahead of Patrick Dangerfield on 101 votes.

"This year the fact that we have won more games (than last year), it's easy to say you've had a better season than last," Thompson said.

"But I think I've been able to string a number of consistent years of football together now and I know what it takes for myself to get up each week and play at the level that's required to perform."

The Brisbane Lions won't be making any trade moves until Kurt Tippett decides where he will play in 2013.

"They're a rare commodity and important to the way teams structure their forward lines. Game-plans are built around them," Lions list manager Robert Kerr said about Tippett's ability as a forward/ruckman.

Kurt Tippett receives what appears to be death threats on twitter.

"If you don't go to Gold Coast I will look for you. I will find you. And I will kill you," a person tweeted.

The same person later tweets that the 'death threat' was in fact a parody of a quote by Liam Neeson from the movie Taken.

"lol at Rucci's article about death threats to @KurtTippett4 my tweet is a quote from the movie Taken which was tongue & cheek #cantbeserious," he later tweeted.

The Brisbane Lions say they will target Brent Moloney or Clinton Young if their bid for Kurt Tippett fails.

"We would like to bring one mature body to the group. If it doesn't go our way with Kurt, we'll reassess our position," Lions national talent manager Rob Kerr said.

"If that's the path we go down, we'll certainly revisit it and have a look at Brent or a Clinton Young for example.

"They're the type of players we'd have to look at. The added attraction is they're free agents and don't cost you a draft pick."

Gold Coast wants Kurt Tippett but will not use SA youngsters Sam Day or Daniel Gorringe as bargaining chips with Adelaide.

"We've always spoken about not wanting to compromise the growth of our young list. We want to make sure that we keep our young players together for as long as we can and we don't want to compromise that," Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft said.

"We'll look at options to make sure that we get a good player like Kurt into the side, but not to the detriment of breaking up our young talent."

Several Victorian clubs are believed to be interested in ex-Swan ruckman Daniel Currie.

He was the only ruckman invited to the NAB AFL Draft State Combine in Adelaide on October 13.

"I've had a few interviews. Clubs have just expressed a bit of interest but, at the same time, obviously also said there was no guarantees," Currie said.

"It's exciting, but at the same time I'm not building up to anything … if it happens, it happens.

"I think I can have an impact at the highest level, but we'll just have to wait and see [whether I get an opportunity]."

Kurt Tippett's is denied a seat at the club's best and fairest after announcing his decision to quit the club.

"Kurt wanted to go to the count and say thank you," Tippett's Brisbane-based manager Peter Blucher said.

"He's come to the realisation that is not going to happen. That's sad because for six years Kurt has given his heart and soul and loved every minute of being at the footy club."

Crows chairman Rob Chapman says Tippett's actions over the last few days has not been well received by the club.

"We have bent over backwards for this guy," Chapman said.

"If he wanted to go home, I get it. If he wanted to go back to his family, I get it.

"But to now tell us that he wants to leave Adelaide to go to another club, that grates on me at the moment."

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse says the Blues will approach Adelaide forward Kurt Tippett who has quit the club.

"Of course I'm going to get involved … of course I would," Malthouse said when asked whether he would be interested in Tippett.

"Tippett, [if] he wants to go to Melbourne, guess what? Carlton will put their hand up for him."

Collingwood says rumours linking it with former Adelaide forward Kurt Tippett did not emanate from the club.

Defecting key forward Kurt Tippett tells his former Adelaide Crows teammates of his decision to quit in a text message.

"Boys, this morning, I have told the club that I won't be renewing my contract for 2013," Tippett texted.

"Making my decision has been one of the toughest processes I have ever been through.

"I have asked the club to shoot through an email to you all but in case it doesn't get through I want to thank you for your support and friendship over the past six years.

"Have absolutely loved playing alongside you all.

"You are all friends for life! I'll be in touch. Love KT."

Key forward Kurt Tippett has told Adelaide he wants a trade to another undisclosed club.

Richmond has signed Adelaide midfielder and unrestricted free agent Chris Knights.

"We're delighted to have gained Chris' services, as we believe he'll be a valuable acquisition for our group," Richmond football manager Craig Cameron said in a statement.

"Chris has the all-round talent, versatility, and experience to really help us, and we feel that he'll thrive with the opportunities at Tigerland."

Knights says he is excited at the opportunity to reignite his career with the Tigers.

"The last week has been quite nerve racking, but to finally get pen to paper and join this fantastic club is an honour," Knights said.

"I spent eight years with the Adelaide Football Club, which has been fantastic to me. Your career is a short one, and you just have to make the most of it, and Richmond gave me that opportunity, so I'm just delighted to be here."

Patrick Dangerfield wins his second Grand Final sprint in dominant fashion ahead of Swan Harry Cunningham in second place and Hawthorn's Angus Litherland in third.

Key forward Kurt Tippett remains undecided about his AFL future after a debrief with Adelaide Crows coach Brenton Sanderson and will return to the Gold Coast for the weekend to make what he says will be an "unemotional" decision.

Adelaide has cut Brad Symes from its list, not long after he won the SANFL's 2012 Magarey Medal.

"Brad has been a valuable player during his five years at the football club, he is a quality person and we wish him all the best with his exciting new business venture," Crows list manager David Noble said.

"We acknowledge Brad's nine years in the AFL system and would like to thank him for his outstanding service to the Adelaide Football Club."

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson says he believes Kurt Tippett will remain with the Crows.

"You sort of scratch your head if a player wants to leave that environment, especially with the potential success that we're going to have over the next couple of years," told SEN radio.

"I'd be surprised if he wanted to leave. I guess my gut feel is that he'll stay, but you never know."

Wantaway forward Kurt Tippett faces a financial versus family decision with three clubs including Adelaide, Brisbane and Gold Coast locked in a battle for his signature.

Adelaide have reportedly offered Tippett $800,000 a season to stay with the club.

Chris Knights has walked out of Adelaide to explore his options as a free agent after struggling with opportunities at the Crows in 2012.

"It has been a difficult year for Chris as he has struggled to get a regular game with our team," Crows football manager Phil Harper said.

"However, his effort to remain positive, upbeat and ready to take his next opportunity has been a credit to his character.

"The club wishes Chris all the best in his future ... he will always be welcome as a past Adelaide Football Club player."

Ben Stratton plays a crucial role in helping the Hawks win the 2012 preliminary final after laying a tackle on Patrick Dangerfield, preventing the dangerous Crow from kicking a goal in the dying stages of the match.

"I thought, 'I have to corral him here; I can't let him get goal-side', because he's a pretty explosive player," Stratton said.

"He's a pretty quick player, but he slipped at a critical time and I managed to get two hands on him."

Adelaide says it has done all it can to convince Kurt Tippett to stay - the rest is up to him.

"Obviously there will be conversations with the boys no doubt throughout this week," Adelaide captain Nathan van Berlo said.

"I talk to him as a captain and as a mate, so we'll certainly have a chat at some point and at the end of the day it's going to be his decision, but it's one that we'll know we've done everything as a club and as teammates to make him want to stay."

After being quiet the Crows' first two finals for the year, Kurt Tippett dominates with 11 marks and 4 goals in a preliminary final loss to Hawthorn but his future at the cloud remains clouded.

"It's probably too early to call on that one," Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson said.

"urt's game today was exceptional, he got us away with that great start and gee, he tried his heart out for the footy club.

"That (the future) will take care of itself now, that will be the speculation for him and the club over the next few weeks."

The Crows' 2012 season, along with Michael Doughty's career, comes to an end in a heartbreaking 5-point preliminary final loss to Hawthorn.

"To get so close, there's so much pain in that changerooms now, with Doughty calling it quits and just knowing that's the last time they'll be able to play with him," Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson said.

"I think they really feel like they let him down. But they shouldn't feel that way because they made the club proud today."

Former Adelaide Crow Tom Lee could use a strong WAFL season as a springboard back into the AFL after kicking 59 goals for Claremont.

"I think he was a bit disappointed last year because he trained with Freo and a few clubs spoke to him about being rookied, but he missed out," Claremont coach Marc Webb said.

"After that he really focused on giving himself a good opportunity to play good footy and make sure that he did everything right. He's certainly done that, so hopefully that puts him in good stead for the grand final and for whatever happens beyond that.

"He won't take anything for granted. He's been on both sides of the draft and he knows that nothing is certain. He's the type of guy that applies himself really well."

Jared Petrenko declares himself fit to take on Hawthorn in Saturday's preliminary final.

"Thanks for all the tweets this week! Sorry I couldn't confirm earlier but now I just can't wait to run onto the G with 21 of me best mates," Petrenko tweeted.

Andrew Jarman says he still regrets missing a simple, but crucial, set shot during the Crows' 1993 preliminary final against Essendon.

"I don't think I'll ever erase it or get rid of it, because you've got to take the opportunity there and then, and I'll never be able to bring that moment back," Jarman said.

"I felt at the time if I nailed the goal momentum would have swung back our way."

Sam Jacobs says he has received plenty of well-wishers following his omission from the 2012 All Australian side.

"I've had massive support," he said.

"There's been tweets, Facebook and text messaging. A lot of people have voiced their opinions of what they thought should have happened, which has been nice."

Scott Thompson and Patrick Dangerfield were both shocked by Sam Jacobs' omission from the 2012 All Australian team.

"It was a bit of a surprise (to see Jacobs miss out on selection), he's had an outstanding season and certainly we wouldn't be here if he didn't have as good a season as he's had," Dangerfield said.

"Our season's probably a reflection of what he's been able to do to make us look like better players, he's very stiff to miss out on (All Australian) selection," Thompson said.

Jacobs admitted to being slightly disappointed at missing out on selection.

"Naturally you do get disappointed, especially when you hear a lot of people saying 'you should have been in there'," Jacobs said.

"But I guess the best thing for me is, I'm playing in a prelim this week. It puts it in perspective - I'm here to win a premiership, I'm not here to be All Australian."

Fremantle's Alex Silvagni will miss the opening of the 2013 season after pleading guilty to head-butting Adelaide forward Jared Petrenko during Fremantle's semi final against the Crows.

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson says star forward Kurt Tippett has not been playing to the standard the Crows require in their qualifying and semi final games against Sydney and Fremantle respectively.

He is below his best and he'd be the first to admit that," Sanderson said.

"Tippo played his role, probably not to the standard we need him too. But he's a very proud player and I'm sure we'll see a much better effort from him next week."

Despite a shoulder dislocation, Jared Petrenko is an outside chance to face Hawthorn in the preliminary final.

"He's a tough hombre, Pup. We rely on his defensive pressure up forward and if he doesn't play this week he's going to be sorely missed," teammate Brent Reilly said.

"With shoulders, you could play with shoulders, so hopefully Pup does everything right and is up for selection this week."

After a disappointing game against the Swans in the Crows' qualifying final, Taylor Walker drives Adelaide to victory with a dominant 5-goal performance against Fremantle in the semi final.

In big games, I like to pride myself on playing well and after last week I was pretty disappointed in my performance," Walker said.

"To come out and play well gives me a lot of confidence."

Jared Petrenko hyperextends his right shoulder just before the final siren during the Crows' semi final victory over Fremantle.

Bernie Vince says the camaraderie amongst players at the Crows is the best it's been since he was recruited.

"I don't know whether it's because I've been here seven years now and I've seen most of the guys come through under me … [but] it's the closest I've been to any group since I've been at the club," Vince said.

"Guys who aren't getting a game are helping those who are getting a game, guys who are fighting for the same position are helping each other out at training and pointing things out they could do better

"It's just really unselfish stuff which is great."

Former Adelaide recruiting chief Matthew Rendell says the Crows recruited Josh Jenkins on the possibility of Kurt Tippett leaving the club.

"What we did last year, thinking he (Tippett) might go at the end of this year was to go and source another ruckman, that's why we went after Josh Jenkins," Rendell said.

"We wanted to at least have a back-up who could play in the ruck and play forward. I didn't want to get into the situation of thinking `geez, he's gone, what are we going to do' and get into panic mode a little bit."

Adelaide assistant Scott Camporeale says Kurt Tippett's place in the Crows side against Fremantle in their semi final is secure despite the big forward being in average form.

"He's under no selection pressure at all. He's a key to the way we structure up," Camporeale said.

"He hasn't had a great four or five weeks. But he's really important to the way we play and takes up a tall defender which in turn, frees up another tall forward."

Michael Doughty will take a job in player management after his retirement later this year with Elite Sports Properties (ESP) in South Australia.

"It (player management) still keeps me involved in football, but without the daily grind and the weekend grind of preparing for teams," Doughty said.

"This still keeps me involved in the game, help young players at the start of their careers and develop off the field, I think it's something I really enjoy doing."

Versatile Crow Ricky Henderson has signed a new three-year deal with Adelaide.

"For someone with a limited background in football, Ricky has come a long way in his short time with the club," Adelaide's list manager David Noble said.

"We believe he still has plenty of room to improve and are pleased he has committed to the club for another three years. Rick's versatility and outstanding speed make him a valuable member of our team."

The season of NAB Rising Star winner Daniel Talia is over after scans confirmed that the key defender suffered a broken arm in the Crows' qualifying final loss to the Sydney Swans.

Patrick Dangerfield earmarks Taylor Walker as the player who can inspire the Crows in September.

"I think Taylor Walker's had an outstanding season and key forwards are super important in finals, probably because it's a really contested style of game and I think there's a lot more long kicking in finals," he said.

"He's certainly primed himself and he's really ready to do some damage. We've seen it throughout the season, he's a special player and I'm really confident he's going to have a big finals campaign."

Mark Bickley says his senior coaching hopes will be boosted if the Crows advance deep into September.

"Generally the assistant coaches that are in high demand are the ones that come from successful organisations," Bickley said.

"I think there were five new coaches last year, and five of them came out of generally Geelong and Collingwood, who were the Grand Final teams.

"I would have thought if I want to be a senior coach, it'd be a really good route for me to be really successful here. If that's the case, people will probably want you."

Crow Daniel Talia has become the first Adelaide player to win the NAB AFL Rising Star award.

"I don't think I really expected it, but I feel really privileged to be here. It's good to get back home today and see my family and friends, and I'm obviously thrilled to win it," Talia said.

"I've always been one of those guys who tried putting in a bit more work than my opponent. I try and do everything possible.

"I had a lot of injuries as a kid growing up and I've always had to do that extra work to get back on the park. I try to put everything into my career, and football's pretty much given me everything I've got."

Adelaide re-signs promising wingman David Mackay after rumoured interest from Melbourne.

"There was never any issue with David's contract, it was just about getting the timing right for him," Adelaide football operations manager Phil Harper said.

"It still is very pleasing to get it done before the finals so he can focus on that. He is an outstanding young man and very talented footballer who is an extremely valuable member of our team."

Cambell Brown has been offered a six-match ban after his reckless collision with Crow Aidan Riley.

After coaching the Crows to a top 2 position on the eve of the 2012 finals, Brenton Sanderson admits he didn't handle finals expectations well as a player.

"I didn't handle big games well and I've been honest with our playing group ... I let the big games get to me too much," Sanderson said.

"I've tried to help the ones that are feeling anxious with the expectations and what's important in these big matches is to talk about it, and that might be to me, it might be to a skipper, it might be to another coach.

"It's all about speaking to coaches, speaking to players and trying to understand what it takes to get the best out of individuals in these big games."

Key defender Daniel Talia appears an unbackable favourite to become Adelaide Crows' first NAB Rising Star winner after a leading betting stopped taking bets on the award.

"The money has just kept coming for Talia and given we had him at $1.65 we think he is a very good thing to get the award," sportsbet.com.au's Shaun Anderson said.

"As a result we have closed the market a week earlier than usual."

Adelaide Crows coach Brenton Sanderson says Talia would be a deserving winner of the award.

"It's a pretty good field, there's some young kids who have had some great seasons, but Dan plays on the opposition's best forward each week and I don't think he's been beaten too often this year, if at all," Sanderson said.

"I've loved his season, I couldn't be more impressed with it."

Adelaide signs young midfielder Brodie Martin for a further two years.

"Brodie has played some outstanding football in the SANFL and also shown some good signs at AFL level," Adelaide football operations manager Phil Harper said.

"We think he can develop into an excellent player for us and we are pleased he wants to be part of our playing group for at least the next couple of years."

Martin said committing to the club was an easy decision.

"It's hard to go past the list we've got at the moment, and the success we've had this year. And Adelaide's home for me, so it was a no-brainer for me to stay," Martin told the RAA Crows News Update.

"We're a young group and all get along really well. 'Sando' coming in this year also brings that young vibe. He understands the players real well and, together, we're trying to strive towards the same goal."

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson admits even he gets excited when Taylor Walker goes about his business after the Crows forward tallied 25 disposals, 16 marks and kicked 4.2 in a dominant display against the Demons.

"He's still a kid, he's still learning so many things about the game," Sanderson said.

"But gee he's exciting. Every time he's near the ball you hold your breath because you know anything can happen."

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson has admitted losing his cool with Scott Thompson after the pair were shown having a heated discussion during the Crows' game against the Lions but says all is fine now.

"I lost my cool with a couple of decisions he made as a leader, giving away a free kick at a centre bounce, then giving away a 50, [I] just explained to him I needed more from our senior players," Sanderson said.

"[He] didn't like what he heard so I just had to remind him who was boss."

Adelaide veteran Michael Doughty has announced his retirement after 13 seasons and is hoping to leave with a Grand Final showing.

"I'm very content and happy that I've been given the opportunity by this footy club and 'Sando' to go out my way and go out with at least an opportunity to play in a Grand Final hopefully," Doughty said.

"I was a bit wild as a young kid and it took probably two or three years for me to settle and I was luck enough that Adelaide had enough belief they could turn me around.

"The influences that I surrounded myself with definitely helped me develop quicker."

Adelaide defender Sam Shaw has brushed injury aside to find consistency and a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination after tallying 21 kicks from 22 disposals in round 21 against the Lions at the Gabba.

Adelaide has postponed contract discussions with forward Kurt Tippett until the end of the season.

"The Adelaide Football Club had an exceptional offer in front of Kurt - and Kurt and his management acknowledge this - but Kurt has made it clear he will not make any decision until the season is finished," Adelaide football operations manager Phil Harper said in a club statement.

"He wants to focus solely on performing on-field to the best of his ability before considering his future later in the year, and to ensure that the matter does not became a distraction to him or anyone at the club in the lead-up to and during the finals.

"Therefore the club and Kurt's management have agreed to resume discussions at season's end."

Bernie Vince says the Crows could find a replacement internally if Kurt Tippett decided to leave the club.

"We can't have a say on whether he signs or not with us, so all we can do is make it as good as environment as we can for him and hope that he stays," Vince said.

"If he did move on we've got guys coming through that have performed really well, Josh Jenkins and these guys that are chomping at the bit to get a game.

"We have got to back up if things don't go well."

David Mackay says Adelaide's pain from its recent unsuccessful finals campaigns is inspiring the Crows in 2012.

"In 2009 when we played finals we felt like we had a good enough side to really challenge and we got kicked out in the semi-finals when we probably should have gone a bit further," Mackay said.

"That's something that the guys who were involved in that and also '05 and '06, who are in the side today, are going to draw on coming up this year.

"They understand the chances are few and far between to play in finals and you really need to make the most of it."

Adelaide Crows coach Brenton Sanderson says Kurt Tippett should inform the club about whether he intends to stay or leave at the end of the year.

"If he wants to leave he should tell us and then we can get on with finding replacements," Sanderson said.

"If he hasn't made his mind up then that's his call, that's his decision. We'd love for him to stay but at the same time we've got to look what else is available to us."

Lions vice-captain Tom Rockcliff and Suns defender Campbell Brown both say Kurt Tippett would be a good fit at their clubs.

"Obviously it'd be great to have him up here, but there's a lot of water to go under the bridge before that happens," Rockliff said.

"Browny's not going to be around forever and we do need to replace him somewhere along the way. We do have some good young kids coming through but we probably do need an older body up there to help them out."

"Being from the Gold Coast and having a brother (Joel) play here last year … if he decides to come to the Suns we'd be more than happy," Brown said.

"I know a few boys know his brother very well and they've obviously met him a few times and seen him floating around down here. Big power forwards, they're hard to come by in the AFL and he'd be fantastic."

Brenton Sanderson says Kurt Tippett will play finals football if he is fit and his teammates want him to even if the big forward declares he will leave at the end of the year.

"Finals are obviously cut-throat and we want to pick our best team, from a selfish point of view we want to win and you've got to put your best 22 out there," Sanderson said.

"If it's not a distraction for the team then we'll certainly pick him."

Daniel Merrett says Kurt Tippett would be a "very handy" acquisition for the Brisbane if the Lions managed to sign the big Crow forward.

"Anyone of that talent in your team would be great. They are very rare," Merrett said.

"Particularly in Tippett's case - a forward who can play in the ruck are hard to come by."

Former Adelaide captain Mark Ricciuto says he is almost certain Kurt Tippett will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

"If he wanted to stay in Adelaide, had a five-year deal on the table for big money (in the vicinity of $3 million to $3.5 million) and had just suffered three serious concussions, why wouldn't he sign?" Ricciuto asked in a column for News Limited.

"He'd be putting pen to paper as quickly as he could. Even if he did not have the concussions, why wouldn't he be signing?

"If it was over money, he would have been asking for more, but he hasn't. He has put it on hold."

Rory Sloane says teammate Patrick Dangerfield has earnt a fitting nickname at the club.

"I think his speed and the way he can win his own footy and stand up when needed, I think he's going to be one of the best players in the competition," Sloane said.

"Raging bull, that's his nickname around here."

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson says Daniel Talia has already won the Rising Star Award.

"He just wins the Rising Star now," Sanderson said.

"He's taken scalp, after scalp, after scalp, and Pavlich is an outstanding player and he's had a great season, he's been in red hot form.

"For a young kid to do what he's doing every week he just wins it."

Kurt Tippett was withdrawn from Adelaide's team to face Freo amid concerns he has yet to overcome concussion.

"While Kurt has trained extremely well in the past two weeks, and feels 100 per cent well, the club doctor is yet to be convinced that his recovery is fully complete, based on a variety of tests," Crows football manager Phil Harper said.

"Club doctor Andrew Potter would like to reiterate that all the testing has cleared Kurt of any long-term effects on his health.

"While this may be considered a conservative approach from the outside, the club is determined to continue to put Kurt's health as its prime consideration."

Nathan van Berlo says he remains confident Kurt Tippett will remain at the club.

"I know 'Tippo' is thoroughly enjoying himself at the moment, with the environment we've got at the footy club and I've got every confidence that he'll want to be apart of us moving forward," van Berlo said.

"We don't talk about it (Tippett's contract negotiations) at all in the inner-sanctum, it's a matter of everyone's got contracts and everyone's got to deal with it themselves and we leave it to the individual to do it."

Adelaide has made a bid for Travis Cloke's services, raising speculation about key forward Kurt Tippett's future.

"It's a contingency plan for us so we have to ask the question, and do due diligence," Adelaide football operations manager Phil Harper told News Limited.

"We fully expect Kurt to stay, we are confident he will stay, but football shows that we are entering a new age. If Kurt does leave, we as a footy club have to be aware of who is available via free agency.

"And we all know Travis Cloke is probably what we would need."

Adelaide Crows set to ramp up contract negotiations with Kurt Tippett's management, now that he's on the verge of AFL return after recovering from concussion issues.

"We haven't really spoken to him about it (contract) during his concussions," Adelaide operations manager Phil Harper said.

"But now that's going all right, we'll put some more emphasis on what's going on with the contract and see what they (Tippett's management) come up with."

Josh Jenkins admits he didn't deserve a senior game at Essendon, but says he has a point to prove when he takes on his old side in Crows colours.

"There will be a lot of Essendon people watching the game, their coaching staff ... it would be nice to play well and just sort of show them that I could play," Jenkins said.

"There might be a few people at Essendon that doubted whether I could make it.

"While coming from nowhere to get rookie listed, I was a little bit disappointed with how I played last year as a whole and didn't really show my abilities up forward as much as I'd have liked to."

Crows coach Brenton Sanderson says Kurt Tippett is not yet ready to resume football after repeated concussions.

"It would have been foolish to play him this week, so we'll give it another few days and I'm sure he'll be up and about the week after," Sanderson said.

"We'll certainly be comfortable that when we pass him fit to play and when Kurt's comfortable to play, we're confident that he'll go out and play footy just like he did prior to the concussions."

Adelaide midfielder Scott Thompson has escaped sanction for his bump on Steve Johnson.

Scott Thompson comes under scrutiny for a bump on Steve Johnson which resulted in Johnson being concussed in just the opening minute of the Cats' clash against Adelaide.

Thompson's teammate Jason Porplyzia says a suspension for star midfielder Scott Thompson would be "a disappointment for the game".

"[It was] just unfortunate where the hit took place that Steve Johnson went down. It was just a football contest in my opinion," Porplyzia said.

"If the contest is for the ball and the player's objective is to go for the ball and something happens because of that, you'd hate to see that come under scrutiny and for guys to miss games because of that.

"It would be a disappointment for the game if things went down that path."

The AFL Medical Officers Association (AFLMOA) says there is no blanket rule to suggest any specific amount of rest time required for three concussions as is the case for Kurt Tippett.

"The current evidence on concussion management and outcomes indicate that the concussion response is different in different individuals. Therefore, tailoring management on a case-by-case basis is imperative, with the over-riding principle being that no player returns to play until fully recovered," a statement from the AFLMOA said.

"The case of Kurt Tippett has been professionally handled by the club and sends a clear message to the community that concussion is a serious issue that should be managed conservatively."

Adelaide's Taylor Walker has been refining his tackling technique ahead of his return this weekend from a three-match suspension.

"One of the highlights of his form this season is how aggressive he is at every contest," Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson said.

"When you marry that up with a technique which we know is not perfect, then he's in trouble.

"So we've worked a little bit on that, just controlling the aggressive but trying to ensure that his technique is perfect as well."

After three recent concussions, Kurt Tippett won't play against the Cats but will head home to Queensland for some rest instead.

"We won't rush the player and, in consultation with the experts, we'll make the right decision for us," Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson said.

"I think it was pretty easy to call, he's going to get some more testing done in the next few days and, regardless of what that shows, we won't play him this weekend.

"We're going to send him home for a couple of days over the weekend but we expect him to resume training next Monday if all the tests get through OK."

Adelaide Crows key forward Kurt Tippett will consult the same medical expert who advised former teammate Scott Stevens to quit.

"Everything we do with Kurt will be based on his welfare," Crows doctor Andrew Potter said.

"That is not just for now, but to make sure he does not run into problems later on. Every decision we make will be conservative - and I am comfortable with that."

Port Adelaide's Tom Logan says Kurt Tippett is the only one who will know when he is right to play after the Crow forward sustained 3 concussions in just 5 weeks.

"Head knocks are always dangerous and he probably knows more than anyone how he feels and if he should play or not," Logan said.

"There's been times in my career when I've probably copped bigger knocks and felt OK…and other times I've copped a knock that's not as big and ruled myself out.

"He'll go out during the week at training and see how he feels and I think that's more important."

Brent Reilly denies teammate Kurt Tippett has developed a susceptibility to concussions.

"He's pulled up OK, obviously three concussions is not ideal in the last four weeks but he's in good hands with the docs," Reilly said.

"If you look at all the hits, it's a bit unlucky, you go through those stages in your career where you might get injured and unfortunately he's had three knocks to the head.

"Who knows what's going to happen but he'll do all the testing and hopefully he's available to play this week."

Crows forward Kurt Tippett has been subbed off after suffering a third head knock in five weeks.

"Kurt's had no concussions in his life and he's had three in (five) weeks ... [it's] unlucky, as pure as that," Brenton Sanderson said after the game.

"We're not going to risk Kurt, if he's not right to play we won't play him, as simple as that."

Star Adelaide Crows forward Kurt Tippett says he won't let his contract talks become a distraction as his side's premiership tilt gets serious.

"I'm not looking to cause any distractions to the football club, or myself or my teammates," Tippett said.

"The contract negotiations are where they should be. I trust my management to sort that out with the football club and to come to me at the right time."

Young Crow Sam Shaw will miss the match against West Coast with an eye injury suffered against the Giants.

"Sam had some blurred vision when he got hit on Sunday and he was off for most of the second quarter but he was able to come back on and contribute strongly to the team's win," Crows football operations manager Phil Harper said.

"Sam then saw a specialist back in Adelaide on Monday and he has some bleeding behind the eye, so he's been advised to not train or play this week."

Brenton Sanderson says Kurt Tippett's ongoing contract negotiations won't affect the Crows as they push towards September.

"We're quietly confident that Kurt's going to re-sign for us," Sanderson said.

"I know that the longer it drags out, the more it becomes a story. Internally it's no distraction for us, but it does create some interest outside of the footy club."

Adelaide forward-ruckman Shaun McKernan will be sidelined until just before finals after scans revealed three separate facial fractures suffered against Port Adelaide.

Adelaide small forward Tim McIntyre made an immediate impression during his debut against Port Adelaide with 2 early goals.

"What I've noticed with Tim and Ian this year, but not only this year, the way they go about their business at the footy club, the way that they train and how much they want it, is a credit to them," Crows skipper Nathan Van Berlo said.

"You could see it the minute they got here how hungry they were to play an AFL game. "It's a good lesson for a lot of the younger guys that come in, they see older guys that are just so desperate to play and when they get their opportunity they certainly relish it."

Nathan van Berlo admits he was surprised with the six-goal haul of teammate Ricky Henderson against Port Adelaide.

"You never know what Hendo's got in him … he probably hasn't kicked six goals in a game for his whole life I don't think," Van Berlo said.

"We all know he's lightening quick and he can jump and he's pretty tall and he's a likely type down forward which he showed. He's only been playing since he was 16 so it's another great effort and a great story."

Crows ruckman Sam Jacobs sets a new AFL record with 61 hitouts and wins the Showdown Medal against Port Adelaide, earning special praise from his coach Brenton Sanderson.

"Showdowns are special, they require special efforts from individuals and the team, and I did put it on 'Sauce' in front of the team that we did need something special from him in the second half," Sanderson said.

"To his credit he stayed on the ground the whole time, didn't come off, they tried going third up against him as well and that didn't work. It was a pretty special game from the big fella."

Jarryd Lyons has re-signed with Adelaide, agreeing on a new two-year deal.

"We've had such a successful year so far and to be a part of it, playing three games and debuting this year has been really good," Lyons said.

"I took massive confidence out of those three games. To be able to crack into the side, and it was such a tough side to crack into as well, and play three games on the trot was really good.

"It was great for my development and it's an exciting time here. I'm happy with where the club is going and I definitely want to stay."

Sam Jacobs makes a point of studying Dean Cox's ruckwork and the first 50 games of his career compare favourably to the five-time All Australian .

"He is one bloke who I do watch a lot of," Jacobs said.

"I try to watch his game almost every week and I do take a lot from how Cox plays and you probably can say I do model my game on him a little bit.

"Possession rate is something I wanted to build this year as well, try to get it up a little bit higher."

MRP chairman Mark Fraser says medical reports played significant roles in Taylor Walker's three-match ban for his sling tackle on Tiger Steven Morris.

"A subsequent medical report made us increase the loading a little bit to medium," Fraser told The Verdict on AFL.com.au.

"While you can see from the initial vision that it doesn't seem like there's anything wrong, the subsequent medical report showed there was something going on there."

Taylor Walker faces a three-match ban after a sling tackle on Richmond's Steven Morris leading Crows skipper Nathan Van Berlo to question the clarity of the rules surrounding tackles.

"He (Walker) gets awarded a free kick and gets a shot at goal for what seemed to be a fairly aggressive tackle, but one that was deemed at the time to be within the rules," Van Berlo said.

"I daresay the AFL's going to keep looking at ways to try and make the rule there clearer but, at the moment, players just have to be aware that tackles are going to be heavily scrutinised."

Taylor Walker's aggressive tackle on Tiger Steven Morris again raises eyebrows but Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson it shouldn't result in any sanction.

"I thought [it was a] fantastic tackle. The Richmond player bounced up and kept playing," Sanderson said.

"I know we have to be aware of any head contact with the ground and I think if you asked Taylor, he says he has learnt his lesson on that one. I will have to wait and see a replay but I hope for the good of the game that he's okay."

The Brisbane Lions are set to try to lure Adelaide forward Kurt Tippett back to Queensland.

"My understanding is he's really enjoying his footy in Adelaide this year with a new coach and they're going very, very well," Lions football manager Dean Warren said.

"If we get to the end of the year [and he's still not signed] we'd certainly be asking questions come trade week again whether he'd be interested in coming to our footy club."

Ahead of his 150th game, Adelaide captain Nathan van Berlo says heartbreak in his early years with the Crows has fuelled his determination.

"I still remember back in my first year of footy in 2005 we finished top and we lost a final against West Coast over in WA," he said.

"To see the disappointment on guys like Mark Ricciuto, Simon Goodwin and Tyson Edwards, virtually in tears after the game … you need to take your opportunities when given the chance."

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson says he didn't handle the pressure well as St Kilda charged home last week.

"[I] talk a lot about calmness and poise, I think we're getting better at that ... but there's still opportunities for us to get better," Sanderson said.

"I personally didn't handle those moments great in a game - you look at the scoreboard, you look at the clock and you think, 'Time's going to run out here soon'.

"Dean Bailey's been fantastic. I've got Darren Milburn sitting next to me who's really calm, and obviously (Scott) Camporeale and (Mark) Bickley who provide really good debate at important times."