Write off the Swans at your peril. That is the message conveyed by Bulldogs defender Jordan Roughead when asked about Sydney spearhead Kurt Tippett.

The former Crow has proven himself a forward-line revelation after coming into the team in Round 13. Along with Mike Pyke and Jesse White, Tippett provides height and brute strength in a multi-pronged Sydney attack.

Roughead is acutely aware of the threat.

“Pyke’s over 200(cm), Tippett’s over 200(cm) and White’s around that mark as well. They’re a really hard team to match up on.”

Individually, Tippett also receives the young backman’s praises.

“His ability to mark the ball on the lead, straight arms out in front, is second to none.”


Tippett’s 35 goals in 11 matches give him the best goal-per-game average of any player in the competition.

He looms as a key factor in Sydney’s sudden-death semi-final against Carlton this Saturday night.