KURT Tippett is learning on the job in AFL football  and the hours poured into him by Adelaide’s coaching staff are paying off.

The former Queensland youngster booted two goals in quick succession in a low-scoring dirge of a game against Melbourne at the MCG.

But it was a less visible statistic that had the Crows’ coach singing the young man’s praises after the match. Tippett won 12 contested possessions  - more than any of his teammates and a remarkable indicator for the tallest player in the side.

“I think it is a strength of mine and something I really enjoy doing. I enjoy the in-close ball and the challenge of it. That’s what drives me to be good in that area.”

It is one of many traits he has been able to carry over from a basketball career that was redirected to Australian Rules.

Coach Neil Craig hailed Tippett’s performance and pointed to the fact that he is new to not just AFL level, but to the game itself and has played under 100 games in his whole life.

The fast track education has seen Tippett sharpen skills quickly and yesterday his accuracy from 40 metres was vital.

“It’s something I’ve been working on with the coaches here and I wasn’t happy with how I converted last year.” 

Kicking is obviously one facet of the game which has no equivalent in his previous sport. But other aspects come into play.

“I  think there’s a lot of crossovers from basketball. Being a big man it teaches you how to move and be agile .

“You see from other basketballers playing this game they move pretty well. The ball skills and the body positioning in the contest carries over a bit.”

He has a pool of mentors that are helping to hone his development.

“I work closely with everyone . I work with Doc Clarke the ruck coach, David Noble our midfield coach and Todd Viney through the week. Then there’s Mark Bickley and Peter Jonas who work on the technical side like the kicking skills. Because I haven’t been playing very long that isn’t up to scratch.”

But game awareness and the knowledge of where to run on the football field only comes with experience.

“It’s not easily taught and it has taken a while to sink in. I try to watch as much footy as I can both locally on TV and try to pick those things up.”

He knows that the game at this level doesn’t afford anyone spare time, but he feels he is progressing.

“I’ve worked pretty hard. It’s coming slowly but I hope to improve each year and every game I play.”