Carlton star Patrick Cripps agrees to a contract extension with the Blues

CARLTON fans finally have something to celebrate, with star midfielder Patrick Cripps agreeing to a contract extension. How long will his new deal keep him in navy blue for?

Patrick Cripps is staying at Carlton. Picture: Getty Images

CARLTON fans finally have something to celebrate, with star midfielder Patrick Cripps agreeing to a contract extension.

Cripps has signed on at the Blues until the end of the 2021 season, with the 23-year-old saying he never had any intention of leaving.

“This club is a second home to me and the friends I’ve made at Carlton are like family,” Cripps said.

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“The support the club has given me since I arrived has been exceptional and I want to repay the belief they’ve shown in me over the past five years.

“We’ve got a great group of coaches at the Blues and I know my game will continue to improve under ‘Bolts’. He’s had a huge, positive impact on my career as well as my teammates.

Patrick Cripps is staying at Carlton. Picture: Getty Images

“You play football to achieve team success, and as a group, we’re committed to putting in the hard work to get the results. In spite of some challenging realities on-field this season, we’re a very tight-knit group and I’ve never been more determined to help this side achieve the ultimate success soon.”

Cripps was drafted by the Blues with the 13th pick in the 2013 National Draft.

In 2015 he finished second in Rising Star voting and won the Blues’ best and fairest.

Despite Carlton’s horror 2018, with the Blues near certainties to claim the wooden spoon, Cripps is third favourite for the Brownlow Medal.

“We know the calibre of Patrick Cripps and the strength of his character,” Carlton coach Brendon Bolton said.

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“He’s a critical component of our side, and importantly an outstanding person, so we’re thrilled he’ll continue to represent our club for at least the next three years.

“Since he walked through the doors at the end of 2013, his determination and drive, as well as his passion and love of the game have been inspiring to watch. He is a bull around the stoppages and I’ve often said he inspires others with his contested work.”

Cripps joins Marc Murphy, Charlie Curnow, Zac Fisher, Tom De Koning, Patrick Kerr, Paddy Dow and Lochie O’Brien in extending their contracts with the Blues throughout the year.

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