CHIEF executive Steven Trigg has ruled out offering forward Kurt Tippett up for trade in next month's AFL exchange period, saying Adelaide hasn't given up hope of retaining the 203cm Queenslander when his contract expires next season.

Tippett knocked back a lucrative offer from Gold Coast to re-sign with the Crows for another three years at the end of 2009 but concerns about him returning to his home state resurfaced following reports of an 'out' clause in his contract last month.

It's believed the 24-year-old has a clause in his current deal allowing him to move to the club of his choice for only a second- and third-round draft pick at the end of next year.

The speculation has prompted calls for the club to trade Tippett now and net a better return with South Australian-born Suns players Sam Day and Dan Gorringe both mentioned as possible targets.

Trigg put an end to the trade talk on Tuesday, declaring Tippett would remain at West Lakes for at least another season.

"Kurt's contracted to us for next year and the expectation is he's here next year. That's absolutely crystal clear," Trigg said.

"I haven't and our club hasn't surrendered to this notion of Kurt going.

"This [talk of going home] all popped up last time [Tippett was out of contract] and he stayed.

"We're working on having him enjoy the environment, a successful environment and [having him] want to stay like every other player."

New coach Brenton Sanderson backed his CEO's call, saying Tippett was a vital part of his plans for the club.

"Kurt's an incredible talent, having coached against him," Sanderson said.

"He's got a lot of raw ability. I've seen him do some things, which are just awesome.

"He's a fantastic player, and as Steven mentioned, a key member of the Adelaide Football Club."

However, Sanderson does have several other changes planned for his new club.

The former Geelong assistant will meet with the Crows hierarchy in the coming days to determine his coaching and support structure for next season but said he expected to bring new personnel with him to West Lakes.
"I can't really name names, but I've got some people I want to put in place, who I think will make the club better," he told FIVEaa.

"That's not necessarily coaching staff, but people in different roles."

Sanderson indicated the Ray McLean 'Leading Teams' model, employed by former coach Neil Craig during his tenure at the club, would also be overhauled.

"I think Leading Teams has got its place in a football club," he said.

"It works initially and then it can become a bit challenging. There is probably a bit of that in my leadership code and the way that I see leadership in a football club … but it can be a little bit in your face.

"We'll see how my leadership rubs off."

Katrina Gill covers Adelaide news for afl.com.au. Follow her on Twitter: @AFL_KatrinaGill