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.
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.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
He can get that at every club...and probably gets it now.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Yeah Dexter after all we gave them Mick Malthouse and Fas!
DingoGray
Roar Guru
I was talking about Lachie Neale
Dexter The Hamster
Roar Rookie
Would look great in the Black and White stripes. (Collingwood, not those pretenders from SA....) :laughing:
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Hopefully Carlton can get to the big day soon and win and he could do a Hodge as Lachlan suggested.The other scenario being if they do not improve he could move on anyway. Like you i am close to the Cripps clan myself. The superannuation package could be the key.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Agree Cripps is the best player in the comp.at present.He is past the others and younger. No weakness’s like the others.
Wayne Kerr
Guest
I have been involved with Carlton for many years. The likes of Doull, Harmes, Walls, and Jesaulenko are personal friends of mine. I have been at functions where Cripps has attended, and he has told me personally that he loves Carlton and does not want to leave. He puts loyalty first. His personality type is one that sees him fight to the bitter end. He is not one to jump ship. He puts the club first, and this shows week in week out.
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
Very different situations and players .
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
Might be like a Hodge scenario at the end of his career.
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
yeah money does factor into it could see him become the next 1 million dollar man .
Joe from Perth
Guest
I was with you until you said Eddie would leave and become Adelaide's president. Before that happens, there will be a cure for cancer, peace will break out in the Middle East and Donald Trump will become the next Pope. Players and coaches do it for the money and to win premierships but presidents actually love their club. Eddie's man-love for Buckley is less than Eddie's love of the pies.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
By next year.... Fair argument to be made that he's the best player in the competition right now.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I think everything is just about correct there Col except one thing. Bucks is an ex port player so will be handed the reins in a messy ugly handover succession plan 2 years after Port win the 2020 flag. Ed will then replace Kochie and Gilligan will give him the black and white stripes
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
I have an opinion Pete. De Goey & Moore are going to leave Collingwood because they want more money. Buckley wants to go back to South Australia so will end up coaching the Adelaide Crows and because Eddie loves Buckley so much he will follow him and take over the Presidency of the Crows. What do you think of that?
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Aish is a great player. Sad to see him go
Maxy
Roar Rookie
that rings a bell to me pts,but didnt he then realise he had a very heavy front end contract and realised if he stayed his last 2 years he would be about the 15th highest paid player in his team so he jumped ship?
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Your right Peter losing those two has no doubt put Freo back a step. Despite the criticism of Aish from his ex club fans, he has been exceptional in his 3 games at the club.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Losing Neale was a major blow to the Dockers Jon Boy. Could be the best player in the competition by next year
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Neale loved Freo ! B.Hill loved being home again playing with his brother ! When Cripps was drafted he said he was happy to go but growing up a Eagles fan he wouldn’t rule out playing for them well down the track. The best retirement contract no doubt will come into play.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Don't see how any comparison between Beams and Cripps can be made.