Part two of Katrina Gill's interview with Crows forward Kurt Tippett:

Kurt Tippett says he’s ready to become a leader at Adelaide after being included in the Club’s ‘emerging leaders’ group this season.

Recognised for having leadership potential, Tippett was one of six players hand-picked to be part of the Crows’ second-tier leadership group.

Mentored by Leadership Development Manager Paddy Steinfort and veteran Michael Doughty, the emerging leaders meet on a regular basis with the aim of developing their leadership skills.

Tippett said he was enjoying his involvement in the group, which also includes Richard Douglas, David Mackay, Sam Jacobs, Jared Petrenko and Bernie Vince.

“I think leadership is something that develops as you do as a person and as a footballer,” Tippett told afc.com.au.

“I feel like I’m ready to take that step.

“We’ve got some great leaders at the Club.

“I want to be able to play my role and help those guys out as much as I can.

“The emerging leaders group has been a great addition to the program this year.

“To be able to have regular meetings and work with mentors in Paddy Steinfort and Michael Doughty to help us out with our development is fantastic.”

Tippett also hopes to take another step in his development as a footballer in 2012.

After kicking 101 goals in two seasons in 2009/2010, the competitive forward endured an up and down year in 2011.

He missed four games through injury and played out the last month of the season with a stress fracture in his foot, finishing the year with 31 goals.

To an extent, he was a victim of Adelaide’s ineffective forward line entry, often finding himself matched up against two or three opponents.

Coach Brenton Sanderson said the faster and more direct ball movement on show in the NAB Cup would suit Tippett.

“I just think Kurt’s going to get better,” Sanderson said.

“He’s had a good summer and hasn’t missed a session really.

“With the way we’re moving the ball he should get more one-on-one contests, which should help him.

“He puts really high expectations on himself … and I think we’re in for a good season from him.”

A meticulous preparer on and away from the football field, Tippett’s attention to detail extends to his diet.

The health-conscious Queenslander takes a keen interest in holistic health and wellbeing, recently attending a seminar on the topic.

“It’s partly a performance thing,” Tippett said. “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.

“I choose to eat well, so that I do feel bright, healthy and happy.

“I’m always looking to improve as an athlete and a person.

“One part of playing sport at the highest level is watching what you eat.

“I’ve become very interested in it, and still like learning and reading about it.

“We travel and we’re busy, so it’s hard sometimes but if time permits I try to eat organic foods.”

Tippett’s healthy-eating habits include a daily ‘green’ smoothie.

However, his housemate and teammate Aidan Riley isn’t such a big fan of the smoothie, or rather the smoothie-making process, which wakes him up around 6am every day.

“I like to start the day with a green smoothie, but Aidan doesn’t like the sound of the blender waking him up,” Tippett said with a laugh.

“I don’t know how we can get around that one because I’m going to keep having my smoothies.

“He’s just going to have to get used to the noise, or get up earlier.

“The smoothie is a fruit and vegetable mix. I put in a couple of pieces of fruit - whatever is in the fridge - and then I add in a green supplement, which is the super food.

“I also had some spinach and other greens.”

A third person recently moved in to Tippett’s residence - his younger brother Joel.

Joel, who will play for West Adelaide in the SANFL this season, relocated to Adelaide from Queensland after being delisted by the Gold Coast Suns.

“Joel and I are pretty tight,” Kurt said.

“We haven’t spent a whole lot of time together over the last five years because I’ve been here in Adelaide and he’s been doing his thing at Brisbane and then the Gold Coast.

“To have him living with me now is wonderful.

“He’s looking to have a good season and to resurrect his AFL career.

“I’m trying to help him and provide any sort of support I can while he tries to do that.”

Out of contract at the end of the season, Tippett’s future is already a talking point, but the 24-year-old said he was settled in Adelaide.

“I couldn’t be happier,” he said. “Joel living down here means mum and dad come down a bit more often as well.

“I’m really enjoying my time here in Adelaide and am looking forward to the season because I know it’s going to be a successful one.”

Tippett will get a chance to see his family and friends when the Crows head to the Gold Coast to play the Suns in their season-opener this weekend.

“It’s fantastic to be able to play in front of friends and family and to share a meal with them after the game,” he said.

“Last year, we had a fair few family and friends there watching. In round 22, it was Joel (playing for the Suns) and myself playing.

“This time it’ll just be me, so hopefully we get the same turnout otherwise I’ll know who they were all there supporting that day!”

Tippett said the players were “well and truly ready” for round one after a strong pre-season under Sanderson and the new-look Crows coaching panel.

“We’ve had a great pre-season together,” he said. “There’s been a lot of newness and a lot of change and what comes with that is some excitement.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Sando.  He’s a fantastic guy.

“He portrays confidence in himself and his coaching style and I think the guys have really fed off that.

“He believes in what he’s doing, and it’s already proved to be successful albeit in the NAB Cup, so the guys have bought in.

“Hopefully, we can continue that pre-season form into the regular season, starting against Gold Coast this weekend.”