Patrick Cripps says Brendon Bolton is safe and it’s up to the players to now perform

Carlton has won just 15 games in three years under Brendon Bolton, but Patrick Cripps is adamant the coach’s job could not be safer.

Patrick Cripps says Carlton coach Brendon Bolton’s job could not be safer.

Bolton’s Blues have won 15 games in three years.

“When ‘Bolts’ first came in, he could have brought some experienced players in straight away and sat around the middle of the ladder or you do it the right way, a whole rebuild,’’ the Blues superstar said.

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“He knew he was going to put himself under pressure … but he did it for the good of the club. He is in a super spot.

“They have done a really good rebuild, we have got a super list and now it’s up to us to get the best out of players and take it forward. He has done a really good job.”

Skipper Cripps said the Blues had turned over 50 players and introduced young talent to revitalise the club.

Patrick Cripps says Brendon Bolton is setting the Blues up for success. Picture: Getty Images

Blues chiefs will continue to back the build this year after president Mark LoGiudice was repeatedly forced to support Bolton publicly in last year’s two-win season.

Carlton takes on Richmond on Thursday having lost six successive season-openers.

Cripps, who has played in five of them, said the Blues were capable of surprising this year and were desperate to start the season with a win.

“It would be nice. Just getting the confidence up with a win early. We feel we are really well prepared going into Round 1,” he said.

“We have had some positive results in the JLT and the hard work we have done over the pre-season has started to pay-off.”

Patrick Cripps says it’s now up to the players to take the Blues to the next level. Picture: Michael Klein

Cripps is relishing the task of taking on Dustin Martin at stoppages. The pair, two of the AFL’s best stoppage players, were in withering form in the Round 1 meeting last year.

“I love playing on the best players. It’s the battle in the battle. You always enjoy playing against the best,’’ Cripps said.

“Definitely at times on Thursday I will go up against Dusty and go head-to-head with him, which will be exciting.

“He is just so strong. You see the fend-off but, like a lot of good players, he is so smart.

“They know different ways to get the ball and the thing that makes him so good is his disposals. He has an elite kick, so when he plays forward he damages you.”