Cripps re-signs with the Blues
In a year of misery on the field as the Blues roll towards their fifth wooden spoon the club has at least succeeded off the field re-signing their best young talent with star midfielder and vice captain Patrick Cripps inking a new three year deal.
Cripps, out of contract at the end of next year, has committed to the club until at least the end of 2021.
His re-signing comes a month after fellow young star Charlie Curnow, the other foundation block of the rebuilding Carlton, signed a new deal with the club through until the end of 2023.
"This club is a second home to me and the friends I’ve made at Carlton are like family, so I never had any intention to leave," Cripps said.
“The support the club has given me since I arrived has been exceptional and I want to repay the belief they’ve shown in me over the past five years.
“You play football to achieve team success, and as a group, we’re committed to putting in the hard work to get the results. In spite of some challenging realities on-field this season, we’re a very tight-knit group and I’ve never been more determined to help this side achieve the ultimate success soon.”
Cripps was taken at pick 13 in the 2013 draft and has become the Blues' best player and most important midfielder. He was named vice-captain and is the obvious heir to Marc Murphy as captain.
Murphy has also re-signed to stay at the club this year and ignore free agency and the attraction of seeing out his playing days at a club where he might experience on field success.
Cripps became the youngest best and fairest winner at the club since John Nicholls, the man who lends his name to the medal for the award, when he won the John Nicholls Medal in just his second season.
An inside midfielder and ball magnet the bog-bodied Cripps - who is key position size at 195cm tall - leads the competition in contested possessions this year, averaging 17.9 per game, and is second in the league for clearances (7.4 a game).
“Since he walked through the doors at the end of 2013, his determination and drive, as well as his passion and love of the game have been inspiring to watch. He is a bull around the stoppages and I’ve often said he inspires others with his contested work," coach Brendon Bolton said.
“His commitment shows a huge amount of belief in the club and the path we’re on. With the recent re-signings of Murphy, Curnow, Dow, O’Brien and Fisher, our members and supporters know the club is heading in the right direction for sustained success.”