Patrick Cripps says it would be ‘bloody hard to leave’ Carlton
Carlton fans desperately wanting Patrick Cripps to sign a contract extension as soon as possible will have to be patient. However, they’ll be excited to hear what the skipper had to say about his future.
Carlton
Don't miss out on the headlines from Carlton. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- How Cripps is helping young Blues shine
- Docherty on track to take on Magpies
- Will Buddy join elite club in 2020?
Carlton co-captain Patrick Cripps has given his best indication yet that he plans to remain with the club beyond the end of next year, saying “it would be bloody hard to leave”.
Cripps, who turns 25 next month, is contracted to the Blues until the end of 2021.
He would be one of the hottest properties on the market if he ever chose to return to Perth.
Watch every match of the Marsh Community Series AFL pre-season comp LIVE & On-Demand on KAYO. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
But Cripps said while he and the Blues were comfortable to leave contract talks on hold for now, he stressed he had never been more invested in Carlton’s future.
“I’ve got two more years (on a contract),” Cripps said.
“We will see how it all pans out, but we are comfortable where it is all at.”
Cripps said his parents had taught him the importance of building resilience, saying the Blues’ on-field struggles during his career would only make any future success sweeter.
“They have always instilled that (resilience) in me,” he told the Sunday Herald Sun.
“When things get tough, you fight it out. I think with the hard work and hard times we’ve had, you work towards a big goal and it will be much more rewarding if you can get there.”
He conceded the club’s on-field struggles had been frustrating at times, but the closeness of the squad through the toughest of times had kept him firmly focused on the long-term vision.
“When you look at Richmond, they had a few tough years not too long ago, and you can see how much fun they are having now,” he said.
“It can turn around really quickly. I have always had confidence in the talent we’ve had.
“It has been frustrating at times. There are only so many blowouts you can take, but it’s not like the boys haven’t been trying.
“Sometimes your mind does go, ‘Would it be easier going home?’, that’s just human nature that your mind thinks that. But I have always believed in what we are creating at this club.
“When you look at the talent we have right now, and where the club is at (on and off the field) … it would be bloody hard to leave.”
Cripps said he was loving his role within the club and was confident the positive vibe within the playing group could translate into a finals appearance before too long.
“I am excited with this group, based on how those young guys are coming on,” he said.
“I know we are going to get there pretty soon, whether it is this year or next. I am really confident with the group that it will happen.”
Originally published as Patrick Cripps says it would be ‘bloody hard to leave’ Carlton