Crows, Tippett postpone AFL talks

Adelaide say the offer is exceptional, but so are the circumstances.

Kurt Tippett’s multiple concussions are a key factor in the decision to put off his contract negotiations with the AFL club until their season is over.

The Crows also want no distractions to their upcoming finals campaign.

The Queensland-born key forward is in demand, with reports linking Tippett to Brisbane and Gold Coast on bumper deals worth $600,000 per year.

Tippett has suffered multiple concussions this season and the 25-year-old returned to the third-placed side for Saturday night’s upset loss to Brisbane.

He had missed the previous three games because of his concussion issues.

Tippett, who has kicked 30 goals in 16 games this season, is due to play his 100th AFL game on Sunday against Melbourne.

“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,” Crows football manager Phil Harper said in a club statement on Monday.

“The club will make no further comment on this matter, as we focus on our own on-field performances for the rest of the 2012 season.”

Harper added: “Given Kurt’s recent concussion issues he has had little time to consider his future.

“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.”

Tippett also told his teammates on Monday he was yet to make any decision on his playing future.

Teammate Patrick Dangerfield said while Tippett’s future was unclear, the Crows feel they can have a legitimate crack next month at the premiership and they want nothing to distract from that campaign.

“Certainly we’re unsure with where his contract is at,” Dangerfield said on 5AA.

“We’re a chance to win the flag … the future is now for us.”

Tippett and his management met with club management on Friday in Brisbane before the Lions game.

Collingwood, another premiership contender, have also put contract negotiations with key forward Travis Cloke on hold until their season ends.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!