Carlton co-captain Patrick Cripps has signed a monster new six-year contract in a huge boost for the under-fire AFL club.
The Blues (4-9) are out of finals contention and have commissioned an external review of their underperforming football department as they seek answers to this year’s shortcomings.
But Cripps’ signature comes as a strong vote of confidence for the direction he sees the club taking in future seasons.
Originally from Western Australia, the 26-year-old midfielder was due to become a restricted free agent at the end of this year and he attracted plenty of interest from rival clubs, including West Coast and Fremantle.
“This place has become home – my decision was that simple,” Cripps said.
“I couldn’t be more confident in what we are building here.
“It is not always going to be smooth sailing, but this group will not stop working until we achieve what we are striving for – winning that 17th premiership.
“We’ve been through some tough periods as a group and we’ll continue to be challenged but none of that will shake our belief in the direction we are heading and what we are capable of.”
Dual All-Australian Cripps has played 131 games for Carlton in eight seasons and is a three-time best-and-fairest winner.
He flagged his intention to remain at the club earlier this year but took time to agree to the details of his new deal.
“We’ve never seen a player more invested in seeing their football club succeed than Patrick Cripps,” Blues list boss Nick Austin said.
“We all know he is a quality player but more importantly he is an exceptional Carlton person, who cares deeply about seeing this football club succeed.
“From the moment we sat down to discuss Patrick re-signing, he made it clear he wanted what was best for the football club – that tells you the calibre of person he is.”
Cripps’ new deal comes in the same month key forward Harry McKay signed a two-year contract to remain at Carlton.
The 14th-placed Blues take on Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
Bludger
Guest
Out of the list you presented I would only keep Dow, Pittonet and McDonald. The rest can be delisted. I don't even think you could trade them, but we could try I suppose.
Nutcase
Guest
Cripps is so insane, he can afford to buy a house every year for the next six years and retire rich never to need to go inside a workplace until he pops his clogs. Yes, he is completely and utterly insane. Where is the straight jacket?
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
The Gov would be due a pay rise in his own eyes
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
For the downtrodden, you have a lot of passionate supporters on this site. And unlike some teams they are all different people.
Kane
Roar Rookie
I thought his time was up too but then I found out that he's got another 2 years on decent coin, massive stuff up by SOS.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
West Coast weren’t interested because they asked their players to take a pay cut to avoid future salary cap issues and they told their players they would not use the extra money to chase high profile players from other teams.
The Dom is good
Roar Rookie
West Coast were never really interested, maybe a few years ago when he was playing good footy but Nizzy said on radio earlier this year they weren't interested. For Carltons sake im glad he stayed for less money, it shows he's committed to the club for the right reasons
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
My mate Jonboy was so certain that Cripps would go back to WA - sorry Jonboy. Well done to Cripps for thinking about his club more than himself. To take a lower amount than what he is currently on (around $150 - 200k) so the club can still try to trade in good players. How great would it be if McGovern & Williams asked the club to drop their salary by a couple of hundred k.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
It's a bit Mark Robbo at the moment.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Three average players don't make one quality player. Mind you, SPS would be every bit as good as Cerra if he was given a chance. Coach him and play him where you'll get some benefit. Carlton's development of SPS, Dow and O'Brien has been negligent. Don't trade; just develop.
Macca
Roar Rookie
You mean the team where his brother plays?
Aransan
Roar Rookie
Congratulations, it is good to see one club players. Perhaps players like Cripps and Bontompelli gain significant extra money through endorsements — Cripps will need Carlton to be successful to maximise this. Focus more on the draft than on trading, by all means move on deadwood but get the most of what you have got. Are some of your disappointments being played in their correct positions? I do believe Carlton have paid too much for McKay, the big paydays should come with free agency. Otherwise players can go into the preseason draft — North Melbourne anyone?
Chanon
Roar Rookie
I do at the moment but l promise you as soon as they are a top team l’ll start despising Carlton!
Diesel-747
Roar Rookie
:laughing: agree
Parklane7835
Roar Rookie
I would love to see Eddie Betts,Retire and stay on as Forward Coach next year?
PeteB
Roar Rookie
Haha do people feel that way about Carlton now ? :laughing:
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Thanks Pete :laughing:
PeteB
Roar Rookie
Very sad. I was looking forward to Saints Dogs grand final. Everyone’s second and third favourite teams at the time.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
I was at prelim in 97 Devastating game Never forget all those die hard supporters crying after the game Most were 70 & 80 never to see another opportunity!
PeteB
Roar Rookie
A couple of exciting years there for the Doggies under Wallace. So close in 97 !