Carlton pair Patrick Cripps and Charlie Curnow to sign multi-year contract extensions

THE writing was on the wall a month ago, and now the Blues have almost done it. JON RALPH reports two of the brightest talents in the AFL are staying on with Carlton.

CARLTON will lock away its two brightest prospects in coming weeks with Patrick Cripps and Charlie Curnow to sign multi-year extensions.

Cripps will sign a two-year extension and Curnow will extend his deal by four years.

It’s understood both will be paid more than $800,000 a season, accepting less than $1 million a year that would be on offer elsewhere, to ensure the Blues have room to build a premiership list.

The Herald Sun revealed last month Cripps would back in the club’s direction, ignoring interest from West Australia to sign a two-year deal that will take him up to free agency.

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Cripps has been the heartbeat of the Blues midfield and despite copping a physical battering he has never considered leaving the club that drafted him.

Charlie Curnow and future captain Patrick Cripps will stay in navy blue. Pic: Getty Images

His leadership has been so inspiring in recent years in the absence of captain Marc Murphy he will be a legitimate contender along with injured half back Sam Docherty to lead the club into 2019.

Curnow, considered one of the AFL’s most exciting key forwards, recently met with his manager Robbie D’Orazio of Connors Sports.

Cripps’ commitment to Carlton was critical to Curnow’s future, with his uncontracted brother Ed Curnow having a brilliant season for the Blues.

Murphy is just coming back from the club’s mid season bye and will soon consider his future after the Blues made clear they were desperate to keep him on a likely two-year contract.

The Blues would love to secure midfield support for Cripps, managed by Stride’s Matt Bain, to bolster a young midfield but will likely finish bottom three on the ladder.

Charlie Curnow’s brother Ed (right) had had a superb 2018. Pic: Getty Images

There area likely to be a handful of exceptional key position players in that part of the draft, including twins Ben and Max King and likely No.1 pick Jack Lukosius.

Geelong Falcons midfielder Sam Walsh is also considered a likely top-five draftee if the Blues finish in that part of the draft.

The Blues take on Fremantle at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, hopeful they can put together a late-season surge after recording just one win so far this year.

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