THE CARLTON Football Club can confirm that co-captain Patrick Cripps has re-signed on a long-term deal to remain in the Navy Blue for life.
Cripps has today inked a new six-year deal that will see him continue his stellar career in the No.9 for the Blues.
A three-time John Nicholls Medallist, two-time All-Australian as well as an AFLPA MVP, the 26-year-old has long cemented his place as arguably the competition’s best contested ball winner.
He has done so while assuming co-captaincy of the football club since 2018.
Cripps outlined the clear reason why his decision to re-sign until at least the end of 2027 was clear from the outset.
“I love this club, I love the people and I love the privilege of pulling on that Navy Blue jumper each and every week. 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 for the Carlton Football Club.
“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.
“There really isn’t any other football club in the country like ours. The passion our members and fans have is incredible and the support they’ve given me over the last eight years is something I never take for granted – we’ve ridden the highs and lows so far together and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead for us in the years to come.”
Blues Head of List Management Nick Austin explained why today’s announcement was yet another, significant example of Cripps’ unwavering commitment to the Carlton Football Club.
“We’ve said it countless times this year and will say it again, we’ve never seen a player more invested in seeing their football club succeed than Patrick Cripps,” 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.
“Our football club will always be heading in the right direction with people such as Patrick leading the way and we are delighted that will continue to be the case with his commitment to be a Carlton person for life.”