Kurt Tippett could yet continue his AFL career in Sydney – but roughly 20km west of his preferred destination and 17 ladder spots lower.

Following Israel Folau’s decision to leave Greater Western Sydney, the Giants will re-double their efforts to sign the former Adelaide key forward.

Folau’s departure will free up a significant amount of money in the Giants’ salary cap.

Tippett wants to join premiers Sydney, but they were unable to strike a deal with Adelaide during last month’s trade period.

At the same time, the bombshell dropped that Adelaide had gone to the AFL because of concerns about the 2009 contract they struck with Tippett.

The Crows are now under investigation and could face massive penalties if found guilty of draft tampering and breaching the salary cap.

There is also speculation that the league could deregister Tippett.

The investigation will go into next week, but there should be a verdict before the November 22 national draft.

GWS have the first three picks in the draft and five of the first 14, whereas Sydney do not have a selection under 23.

The Giants also have the first pick in the pre-season draft, meaning they are clearly in the box seat to sign Tippett.

Even before Folau’s bombshell, GWS were expressing an interest in Tippett.

Sydney’s advantage could still be that they can offer Tippett more money.

Tippett could yet go into either draft with a price on his head that GWS are not prepared to match.

“Tippett’s a very realistic chance. I think so,” Giants coach Kevin Sheedy told AAP.

“Obviously our club is not going to match a million dollars – if they put a million dollars on the table, our club in its very early stages wouldn’t be able to do that.

“But we’ll definitely be seeing Tippett over the next two weeks.”

GWS chief executive David Matthews stressed Folau’s decision was independent of their interest in Tippett.

But clearly, Folau’s departure means they can now offer Tippett more money.

Matthews added they had already spoken to Tippett’s management in the last few weeks.

“The next couple of weeks, (Giants football manager) `Gubby’ Allan and (list manager) Steve Silvagni will work with the coaches to do their due diligence on him,” Matthew said.

“We’re certainly in there for Kurt Tippett.”