Kurt Tippett
A powerful key forward whose AFL journey was marked by high-flying marks, goal-kicking prowess, and a high-profile club switch.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Australian rules footballer·Birthday: May 8·Millennials
Biography
Kurt Tippett kicked 39 goals for Adelaide in 2012, the peak season for the 200cm forward whose athleticism disrupted defenses. Drafted by the Crows, he used strong hands in contested marks and accurate set-shot kicking to become a focal point of their attack. His departure from Adelaide became one of the most dramatic trade sagas in AFL history, reshaping league rules. Landing at the Sydney Swans, he transformed into a versatile ruck-forward, adding depth to a flag-contending team. Injuries curtailed his impact, but his role in the Swans' 2014 Grand Final appearance underscored his value. Tippett's career blended sheer physical talent with the intense pressures of professional sport.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Kurt was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kurt Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Kurt's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Kicked 39 goals in the 2012 AFL season for Adelaide, finishing as the club's leading goal-kicker.
- Played a key role in the Sydney Swans' run to the 2014 AFL Grand Final.
- Represented the AFL's Indigenous All-Stars team, acknowledging his Torres Strait Islander heritage.
- Was part of the historic 2012 trade that moved him from Adelaide to Sydney, which led to significant AFL rule changes regarding free agency and trading.
- Played over 175 AFL games across his career with Adelaide and Sydney.
Did You Know?
He was a talented junior basketball player and represented Queensland in the sport.
Tippett is of Torres Strait Islander descent through his mother.
He was selected by Adelaide with pick No. 32 in the 2006 AFL draft.
His brother, Joel Tippett, also played in the AFL for the Gold Coast Suns and North Melbourne.
He officially announced his retirement from the AFL in 2017 due to an ongoing ankle injury.
“You have to take your marks and kick your goals when the moment comes.”
