Ruckman Kurt Tippett spoke to the media on Tuesday morning at the launch of the Volkswagen Swansfit program.
Read some of the key quotes from the Swans big man ahead of our clash against Richmond at the MCG on Saturday night.
Playing as a ruckman
“I am really enjoying the role I am playing at the moment. It has changed a little bit as I am playing a bit more time in the ruck but that is what the team needs at this stage. I also get to play up forward and hopefully have an impact up there in front of goal as well. I enjoy starting in the middle as there is something about being in that centre circle for the first bounce of the game. You are always around the football and you can have a real impact.”
Isaac Heeney’s form
“Isaac is playing well for us alongside Buddy and the ther guys up forward. We have a really good balance at the moment and those guys have been able to put the score on the board for us as well as do a great job defensively to help set us up that way.”
Callum Sinclair partnership
“I think you have seen what Cal can do, he is a great player and we complement each other well. He doesn’t mind going in the middle to play in the ruck and at that time I get a chance to go forward or have a rest so I think that is going well for the side.
Is it the most ruck work you have ever done in your career?
Yeh Certainly. When I first started playing football I was a ruckman back in the Southport days. Since then I have played the majority of my football up forward so it has been a bit of a shift but one that I have enjoyed.
How do you rate this season from a fitness point of view?
Continuity wise it has been great. I have been able to play a pretty full year last year, have a good summer and then the start of this year has gone pretty well. I am feeling well.
How do you rate your current form?
I think it is the best start I have had to a season for a while. For whatever reason the start to my seasons haven’t been as strong through injury or lack of form last year. I am enjoying playing some good football and just trying to contribute each week.
Do you feel like you have answered your critics?
It is not something I tend to give much energy to. I just try to be the best I can and play my role the best I can for the team. Within the four walls it is pretty clear. You can’t worry about the outside forces as you are just trying to play your role for a side. You don’t have too much time or energy to worry about too much that is happening outside.
Richmond this weekend
“Richmond have a great number of very good players and they have beaten us on the last two occasions. That is something we are aware of so we will have to be at our best on Saturday night. We certainly do our homework on the opposition and like to be aware of how they like to play. We are under no illusions that we need to improve so hopefully that continues this week for us.”
Playing at the MCG
It is great to be able to play at the MCG. We love every opportunity that we get, we get two in a row so that is great for us. We will enjoy the experience; over the years I have been able to there a few times. It is great for the younger guys to get out there and experience that because it is a great stadium to play in.
Buddy kicking 100 in a season
"I don't think there's a limit to how many goals he can kick this year, so that's really exciting. It's pretty cool to think that he could kick 100. He's in great form, it's great to see he's enjoying his football and he seems really focused. I think right now he's in a really good spot, he seems really comfortable within himself. He's happy and is playing a great role for the side, so he's in great shape.
