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Paddy Cripps: Could Carlton's leading man be heading elsewhere?

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Roar Guru
22nd June, 2020
26

Patrick Cripps has asserted himself as one of the best midfielders in the competition over the last four years.

Cripps’ effort in Carlton’s two-point win over Geelong was instrumental in securing an upset victory at GMHBA stadium. Cripps finished the night with 24 touches and two goals in a stirring performance.

The performance showed Cripps determination and pressure around the contest. The star Blue had 17 contested possessions and was helped around the contest by Michael Gibbons and Jack Martin sharing the load, providing another road to goal for the Blues.

Carlton sit on one win and two losses, with fight backs in both their losing encounters. But will this promise be enough for the blonde youngster?

Many suggest that Cripps could follow in the shoes of Tom Lynch and chase success elsewhere.

Lynch left the hapless Suns at the end of the 2018 season and won the 2019 premiership with Richmond as their key man up forward.

Cripps’s current contract at the Blues ends in 2021. The 25-year-old is yet to play finals in his 104-game career.

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Cripps is well within his right to look for a new opportunity when his contract finishes but with Carlton’s win there has to be a light at the end of the tunnel for Blues fans under the guidance of David Teague.

Cripps was named co-captain along with Sam Docherty at the start of the 2019 season. With the 2020 season being so unpredictable and the changes seen to the game, Patrick Cripps could benefit from the shorter quarters with his ability to run and carry for longer periods.

The ability for Cripps to rove to Marc Pittonet has taken his game to the next level. Cripps lacked consistent assistance from Carlton’s number one ruckman in Matthew Kreuzer due to his constant injury troubles .

Cripps has no doubt sealed himself in the top echelon of midfielders in the game, and success might soon be within Carlton’s grip. The navy Blues are finally at the end of their rebuilding phase and have the team to give the others a run for their money.

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