The Carlton Football Club embarked on the second stage of its journey under senior coach Brendon Bolton in 2017.

After registering six wins, the Blues finished the season in 16th place on the ladder.

Despite falling four points short of its 2016 output, Carlton won more quarters in 2017, demonstrating the growth of the playing group in its second year with Bolton at the helm.

With the team now on a break, we’re analysing each player’s year in statistics. Here’s the review for Carlton’s No. 9, Patrick Cripps. 

GAMES

Season 2017: 15

Career: 59

GOALS

Season 2017: 7

Career: 23 

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets):

Disposals: 374 (24.9) Contested possessions: 203 (13.5) Effective disposals: 257 (17.1) Clearances: 100 (6.7) Contested marks: 11 (0.7) Tackles: 90 (6)

OVERVIEW

Cripps’ season came to an abrupt end in Round 15, with a fractured leg sidelining him for the rest of the season.

It wasn’t the only setback the young gun suffered in 2017 – a year which highlighted his toughness and big heart.

A stress reaction in his back kept him off the track for a large chunk of pre-season, but he won his race against the clock to be fit for the Blues’ season opener.

In Round 2, Cripps suffered a fractured jaw against Melbourne but didn’t let it get the better of him, finishing the game and performing strongly a week later in Carlton’s win over Essendon.

Known for his prowess in the stoppages, Cripps added a new dimension to his game in 2017, drifting forward more often and slightly averaging more uncontested possessions, contested marks and marks inside 50 than 2016. 


Cripps was more effective in the Blues' forward 50 this season. (Photo: AFL Media)

That didn’t have a noticeable impact on his inside work, however, with the midfield bull still dominating the clearances to finish equal sixth in the league on average.

He also topped the history books for the most clearances and contested possessions at the half-century mark.

With 352 clearances and 714 contested possessions to his name after his 50th game earlier this season, the 22-year-old placed well ahead of previous record holder Tom Liberatore, who managed 293 clearances and 568 contested possessions is his first 50 games.

 

Cripps is expected to resume full training when he begins pre-season in early November.

BEST PERFORMANCE

Cripps can be expected to poll Brownlow votes against St Kilda, despite the Blues succumbing to defeat. 

He starred with a game-high 20 contested possessions, while also registering 11 marks, eight clearances, six inside 50s, five tackles and two goals.

It was a complete performance from Cripps, who earned eight AFL Coaches’ Association votes – his highest tally in a game this season. 

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

Cripps looked noticeably more confident in the air this season, as displayed by his towering grab over Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt in Round 14.

He timed his leap to perfection, marking the footy cleanly and bringing it all the way to the ground to earn Carlton’s fan-voted Mark of the Year.