Crows eyeing the younger Tippo

JOEL Tippett could join his big brother Kurt at Adelaide next year.

Joel Tippett

JOEL Tippett could join his big brother Kurt at Adelaide next year.

The Crows are in need of key defenders and have admitted they are eyeing 197cm Joel in this year's AFL drafts.

"He's got some AFL experience, he's played on (Hawthorn's) `Buddy' Franklin, and those sort of guys certainly hold some interest," Adelaide list manager David Noble said.

"I've watched Joel now for over 12 months and we always thought it would take him about half a season to find his tempo in this (SANFL) competition, which he's done."

Tippett, 23, is a former Brisbane Lions rookie-list player who played two games for Gold Coast last year. He has been a revelation at full back in his first season with West Adelaide, starring in the past month.

Bloods coach Andrew Collins - a three-time Hawthorn premiership player - knows a good footballer when he sees him and described Tippett as a "beauty". He declared Tippett is almost certain to find a new AFL home at the end of the year.

"Joel is just a one-year player for West Adelaide, I would think," Collins said. "He is a beauty and could certainly make the step up to the AFL.

"He's just a very solid player who is rarely beaten one on one.

"I'm aware of Adelaide's interest but I'm sure there are a lot of clubs who are keeping a close eye on him too.

"If Joel was to get back into the AFL system, I'm sure he would blossom."

Tippett said he moved to SA to improve his football and would "love" an opportunity to revive his AFL career.

"To play alongside Kurt at Adelaide would be awesome, but I'd just be happy to play anywhere," he said.

"The main thing for me this year is that I'm enjoying my football and feel that I'm playing OK.

"If the cards fall my way and I manage to find myself on an AFL list from there, that would be great."