Swans set to chase a top player

KURT Tippett’s shock retirement is set to put the Sydney Swans back in the free agent market for the first time since they landed Lance Franklin at the end of the 2013 AFL season.

It won’t be another $10 million Buddy deal but the 2019 and 2020 salary cap space opened up by Tippett’s premature departure will open the doors to a quality player.

Because the ankle operation Tippett had in October wasn’t a career-ending injury, Swans footy boss Tom Harley has been able to negotiate a reduced figure on his payout.

“We won’t have to carry his salary for the full term of his three years remaining,” he said. “He was contracted for three years prior to that so it certainly won’t be that.”

Had it been a career-ending injury, Sydney would have been forced to pay Tippett the full amount of his contract over the next three years.

“Injuries have played a part in his decision,” Harley said.

“He had a full ankle reconstruction last year. There are strict definitions around what constitutes career-ending injuries. It means you aren’t able to play and that isn’t what’s happened to Kurt.”

Harley wouldn’t comment on the settlement figure agreed upon or the time frame for its payment. But given the club is committed to Tippett’s payment this year, it’s believed to be heavily front-ended.