Tippett training the house down

Training ... Kurt Tippett is doing everything possible to be ready for round 13. Source: Tim Hunter / News Limited

Kurt Tippett is on a gruelling training regime to ensure he is at peak fitness for his eagerly anticipated Swans debut against Port Adelaide next month.

Tippett has been training the house down under the guidance of Swans fitness guru Rob Spurrs in preparation for the Round 13 clash at AAMI Stadium.

"I've seen it (the delayed start to the season) as an opportunity," Tippett said.

"It's an opportunity to improve in some areas that can help my football. Being stronger, fitter and faster.

"There's light at the end of the tunnel. My selection is up to the coaches, but I'm preparing myself to be able to play at that level. I'm doing everything I can physically and mentally to be right."

The schedule set by Spurrs has been punishing. In addition to normal training sessions with the team, Tippett has been doing extra running sessions immediately after.

These involve multiple repetitions of 300m, 200m and 100m sprints.

On game days, Tippett completes training runs designed to replicate the duration and intensity of a match. These workouts are also supplemented by "off-feet" workouts in the pool and on the grinder.

"You have to rein him in a bit if there's any danger he's training too hard," Spurrs said.

"He's extremely diligent with his work and has a fantastic attention to detail.

"Kurt already has a great base of fitness from his time in a very good system at Adelaide.

"He knows what works for him and what doesn't. He's a power athlete -- big, strong and explosive."

The program involves everything needed to have Tippett right for his comeback game, except match fitness.

"I won't be in the best possible shape in terms of match fitness because nothing can replace games," Tippett said.

"I can't fault my preparation. I'm absolutely confident about the work that I've done."

While the physical challenge has been huge for Tippett, the greater test for the power forward has been sitting in the stands watching his teammates play.

"That has been the hardest part of this, watching game day," Tippett said.

"It's been most difficult in situations like Saturday night when when were in a tight spot against Hawthorn.

"I try to watch in objectively and come in with a heap of ideas to talk to the guys about and try to help the team."

One of the key benefactors of Tippett's recruitment will be Sam Reid, who will relish the opportunity of playing alongside the former Crow.

Tippett has gone out of his way to help Reid before they play alongside each other.

"I like to watch Reidy's tape every week with him," Tippett said.

"I use my experience and give him a bit of advice.

"Playing forward is a specific role. There are things that I can pass on.

"We need to be operating on the same page so that when I get back in there, hopefully that will help.

"He is doing all the hard things right and it will click soon."

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