Reigning premiers Sydney have recruited ex-Adelaide key forward Kurt Tippett in the AFL pre-season draft.

The 202cm 25-year-old had been seeking to reach the Swans since October’s trade and free agency period.

But his move was delayed by an investigation into draft and salary cap breaches by the Crows and Tippett, for which the big man will have to sit out the opening 11 rounds next season.

That did not stop the Swans agreeing to Tippett’s demands for a big-money contract which put off other potential suitors including Greater Western Sydney and Brisbane.

Tippett, taken at pick No.11, was among just eight players taken in the pre-season draft, with several clubs choosing not to participate.

Greater Western Sydney snapped up ex-Carlton key position player Bret Thornton to bolster their young list, as well as re-drafting their own delisted ruckman Dean Brogan.

Adelaide re-drafted Nick Joyce, the player they delisted before the national draft, at which stage they were not allowed to cut Tippett.

Fremantle re-drafted Jesse Crichton as well as picking up South Australian Jack Hannath.

Port Adelaide recruited Sam Colquhoun, who like Hannath played with SANFL club Central Districts.

Essendon went for Victorian William Hams, dashing the hopes of West Australian indigenous youngster Dayle Garlett, who had also been training with the Bombers.

Garlett was also surprisingly overlooked in November’s national draft because of disciplinary concerns, despite being rated one of the nation’s most-talented potential draftees.