A late convert to Australian Rules, Kurt Tippett says he never could’ve imagined he would play 100 AFL games.

Tippett hit a stumbling block on his road to the ton last month when he sustained his third concussion for the season in Adelaide’s win over West Coast. He missed four matches, but returned to the team last weekend and will reach the “humbling” milestone against Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday.

Tippett’s journey to the AFL wasn’t a conventional one. Born in New South Wales and raised on the Gold Coast, the former basketballer wasn’t introduced to Aussie Rules until his teenage years.

Mates, including Ben Merrett - son of former Essendon and Brisbane Bears champion Roger - convinced him to play for the high school football team.

“I give those boys a bit of credit for making me enjoy my football,” Tippett laughs.

He joined the Southport Sharks in the NEAFL where he showed enough in only 20 games to be drafted by Adelaide with pick No.32 in the 2006 AFL Draft.

His transition between sports was swift, but he had to exercise more patience in waiting for his AFL debut.

He sustained a cracked vertebra, which confined him to a neck brace for six weeks, in a freak training accident less than a month after arriving at West Lakes. Shoulder surgery ended a frustrating first season in Adelaide.

He made his debut against the Western Bulldogs in round one the following season, going on to play 19 games, including the elimination final against Collingwood. He kicked 17.17 and showed enough to suggest Adelaide’s draft punt would pay off.

Tippett continued to grow over the next few seasons.

The 202cm, 102kg, forward played every game in 2009-10, topping the Club’s goalkicking (46 goals) in 2010 and finishing top-10 in the Crows Club Champion award in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Speaking ahead of his 100th game, Tippett said he was proud to be reaching the milestone.

“It’s a bit of a time to think back, to pause and reflect on what you’ve been able to achieve so far,” he said.

“It’s mind blowing to think I’ve run through the banner 100 times. It’ll be even more special to look back on when I finish my career, but right now I’m pretty pumped to play my 100th game.

“I don’t think I ever could’ve wished to play 100 games of AFL growing up, and even when I started at the Club it seemed a way off. I’m pretty humbled by it.”

At 25-years-old, Tippett hasn’t reached his peak - but he’s in a hurry to get there.

The highly-motivated big man works as hard on his game as any one at West Lakes, to the point he almost needs to be held back at times, according to Strength and Conditioning coach Nick Poulos.

“If Kurt gets outmuscled in a contest during a game, he’ll want to lift more weights in the gym,” Poulos said.

“And if he gets beaten for speed, he’ll want to do more sprint work. He’s always looking for ways to get better, which is a credit to him. But sometimes you almost have to say, ‘Kurt, just let it happen’.”

Tippett says his aggressive approach to training developed out of necessity.

“I guess I’ve had to be that way, starting in the game late, being behind the eight ball and, maybe, not having the same skill level as some of the other guys,” he said.

“I’ve had to work harder to give myself every opportunity to play.

“I drive myself pretty hard. I understand the opportunity I’ve got. I see others, who don’t have the same opportunity, and I want to make the most of what I’ve been given.”

Tippett’s meticulous approach isn’t confined to physical training. He’s also a believer in holistic health and wellbeing, maintaining a strict diet and starting each day with a ‘green’ smoothie - a cocktail of fruit, vegetables and vitamin supplements.

“I like to eat well, so I can prepare and train well and give myself the best chance of recovering, but it’s also a lifestyle choice,” he says.

Tippett has endured a frustrating 2012 season, but has still kicked 30 goals in 16 matches - enough to elevate him to eighth on Adelaide’s all-time goalkicking list (179). He also leads the Crows in contested marks (35) - 10 more than the next-best player this season, Taylor Walker (25).

His recent concussion battles have reminded him not to look too far ahead. Now, he’s just focused on regaining top form and helping Adelaide achieve finals success. 

“I think I’ve got a fair bit of development left. I always want to keep improving, and the day you stop doing that it’s time to move on,” he says.

“Each year, you set yourself to improve and become a better player.
“But three concussions in five weeks could put a halt to anyone’s career.

"There could be an injury around the corner that ends it all, so I’ve been trying to just enjoy every game I play.”