By Michael Whiting

After two stress fractures in his back and four seasons in the AFL system without a senior game, Gold Coast SUNS debutant Joel Tippett had every right to throw in the white towel.

The 197cm, 91kg key position defender was first taken by the Brisbane Lions in 2008 as a rookie after showing remarkable draft testing results in jumping, sprinting and agility.

Despite the raw talent, Tippett was hamstrung by persistent back injuries that plagued his three seasons at the Gabba.

But the GC SUNS gave him an opportunity, and the 22-year-old will make his debut against Adelaide on Saturday, where he is every chance of defending older brother and Crows' full forward Kurt.

"It's taken four years on a list but I'm really excited to get an opportunity," Tippett said.

"It's been a long, hard road but that's what happens sometimes. I've been a bit unlucky with injuries but to get my opportunity now when my body is feeling really good, I'm ready to go and really looking forward to it."

Tippett said the GC SUNS threw him a lifeline after his disappointment with the Lions and said they had been fantastic in how they had dealt with him.

Originally a ruckman, the former basketballer was moved into defence to save his body from the rigours of the centre square.

Although not certain of his role against the Crows, Tippett said he had spoken to Kurt and thought there was a chance they would line up on one another.

"He's really excited for me to get a game and to have him out there too will be pretty special too.

"We'll see what happens, I'm sure I'll be on him at some stage which will be exciting.

"It is a strange feeling, a bit weird for my parents I think."

Tippett laughed when asked which team his parents would support, saying his mum would likely have a scarf on each side of her.