West Coast football boss Craig Vozzo says rumours suggesting the club will consider offloading Elliot Yeo in a bid to sign Carlton star Patrick Cripps are “laughable”.
Cripps’ current contract expires at the end of this year, and his West Australian origins means he is often linked with a move to either West Coast or Fremantle.
The Eagles were left stunned by a report that suggested they would consider trading out Yeo in a bid to free up enough salary cap space to sign Cripps.
Vozzo hosed down the prospect when asked about it on Tuesday.
“Zero chance,” Vozzo said.
“I’m not sure where that came from, I wasn’t asked about it. Laughable.
“I reckon he (Cripps) is an outstanding footballer.
“(But) Elliot Yeo … is a critical member of our playing group, we contracted him long-term some time ago.
“He’s won two best and fairests, he’s an extremely good person and critical member of our playing group.”
Yeo, who is contracted until 2023, has been sidelined for the past nine months by a serious case of osteitis pubis.
But the 27-year-old has progressed well at training over the past month, and he’s on track to return just after the club’s bye.
West Coast are confident Josh Kennedy’s calf setback isn’t serious, with the veteran forward a chance to play in Sunday’s home clash with Adelaide.
Tom Barrass (shoulder) and Jeremy McGovern (groin) are a chance to return in what would be a massive boost to the club’s depleted defensive stocks.
luke
Guest
DUDE, that's just delusional. I'm not a west coast fan or a C arlton supporter, but Cripps is one of the best players in the league, hands down. He may not be firing right now, but lets be honest, he's a effing gun.
Klompy
Guest
I believe Aquinas is going well. I will try and find out.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Thanks Klompy. How is the Aquinas side going this season? Just think it’s somewhat amazing that 3 top current players came from the one school. Nearly as good as Yarran, Naitanui and Walters being neighbours.
Scott
Guest
Yeah if eagles were to get Cripps now it would be a steal. Prob a good thing for Carlton now as well if they wanna resign him, as he hasn’t been in good form leading up to his free agency. Hope eagles have a crack though Should give him a rest the week before the bye and get that back fixed
onyajezza@yahoo.com.au
Guest
“Tell him he’s dreaming”. Allen and Gaff? Allen or Gaff even separately would be overs for Cripps. Brander or Rotham no way either. Jarrod Cameron and a 2nd round pick is about it.
Klompy
Guest
Yes Doctor Rotcod it would make a great Team. My two youngest Nephews went to Aquinas with Logan McDonald and Jarrod Cameron. My Nephew Matthew knows Logan and Jarrod. His younger Brother who is in year twelve at Aquinas and Vice Captain this year, was a year younger than Joshua Cripps a Cousin of Patrick. I believe Joshua was not bad at AFl at Aquinas last year. Sorry for waffling. I Just said it . I know you may may not be interested.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
West Coast advised their players after they requested that they have a 7% cut in their payments that the club would not use the extra savings to trade-in a highly ranked player, so doubt West Coast would go back on their promise to their whole list. Cripps has been playing with a fracture in his back and requires weekly injections to get through. It is similar to the injury Lachie Neale has who was also playing below his best form. They say the injury is improving and he is slowly getting back to full strength. Maybe the Blues might give him a rest for one game or wait until the bye round and hope he fully recovers.
Lukey Miller
Guest
I think Carlton have worked out that Cripps' best is well behind him and would be aware that he wouldn't want to go to Fremantle, but that clearly he would be happy with West Coast. Carlton would want Oscar Allen and Gaff as trades, so Cripps will be staying at Carlton for a while yet.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
If Yeo's injuries are going to significantly diminish his future playing? There is no way Carlton are going to trade Patrick Cripps for him anyway. I can't see it happening.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
The West‘s Ryan Daniels jumped on the idea from a great height- and Yeo reckons it’s silly. Tom Browne does get it very wrong quite often. I wonder what an Old Aquinas team would look like with Yeo,Cripps and Fyfe? Add in Deven Robertson,Logan McDonald,Chad Warner, Liam Baker and Jarrod Cameron and it’s looking pretty good. The Sun’s Jeremy Sharp is another.
Scott
Guest
It was just an idiot channel seven reporter making stuff up. I swear they just read internet chat rooms and make up there own bs. The media are seriously pathetic at times
Footyguy
Guest
Yeos a west aussie no way he'd leave Petruculle, O'Neill, Venables, Cole , Nelson are all tradeable if we are going to get cripps
Blitz
Guest
Only reason WC would trade Yeo is if his injuries are going to significantly diminish his future playing abilities. If not, they are not going to trade out one of the best players in the game.