Versatile tall Kurt Tippett says a burning desire to win a premiership and to improve as a footballer saw him stay with Adelaide rather than sign with the Gold Coast.

Tippett's new three-year deal was made public at the Crows' best-and-fairest ceremony last month but the club has waited until its first pre-season training session at West Lakes to present the 22-year-old to the media.

The former Southport Shark said it was a relief to have contract negotiations out of the way.

"It was great to sign with the club for three years, I'm very excited that I know where my future is going to be now so I'm looking forward to having a great three years hopefully," he said.

"There was a little bit of heat obviously ... I guess it was great to hear everyone's support, they all wanted me to stay in Adelaide and so did I."

"It was a just a bit of process we went through, my manager was keen for me to weigh up all my options although my sole focus was staying in Adelaide."

Tippett wouldn't reveal which deal was more lucrative but added his wish to stay at West Lakes helped in the process.

"I think my manager had I guess two offers in his head and he came to ask me. He asked me my preference and I told him and he did the business," he said.

"I was very keen to secure my future for as long as I could and I was very happy Adelaide put up a three-year deal and that enabled me to make a clear decision."

While a deal to return to the Gold Coast would've been tempting, Tippett said the promising state of the Crows' list had played a part in him staying.

"I think with the great coaches we've got here, the great club culture, the new facility here, it's a great environment to get the very best out of yourself as a footballer," he said.

"There's no doubt we've got a great, up and coming squad at the moment and it's a very exciting time. I value my position in the team alongside these guys and I think it's going to be a great future and one I definitely want to be a part of."

"We are not here to make up the numbers, we want to win a premiership and that's what we are striving to do."

"I really want to get the most out of myself as a footballer and I believe this is the environment to do that in so it was a pretty clear decision at the end of the day."

Tippett quickly became one of Adelaide's most dangerous players in 2009, kicking 55 goals and was an effective pinch-hitter in the ruck. The 201cm players say he's looking to improve even more next year.

"I want to get better aerobically so I can play in the ruck and up forward better, I want to continue my marking skills and my goal kicking skills I think I can kick a few more goals hopefully," he said.

"I'm happy to play wherever the coach will play me - I enjoy both (the ruck and up forward)."