Carlton star Patrick Cripps has signed a three-year contract extension with the Blues which will keep him at Princes Park until at least the end of 2021.
The midfielder is originally from Western Australia and was rumoured to be a target for West Coast and Fremantle but the 23-year-old has stuck to his word and stayed loyal to Carlton.
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Following the news on Wednesday, Cripps said that switching clubs was never a realistic option.
“This club is a second home to me and the friends I’ve made at Carlton are like family, so I never had any intention to leave,” Cripps told carltonfc.com.au.
“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.
YOU ABSOLUTE CRIPPA!@patrickcripps has put pen to paper until the end of 2021!
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) July 25, 2018
Details: https://t.co/YDXLnmh3To#BoundByBlue pic.twitter.com/DSeVyIUUal
In a difficult season that sees the Blues on the bottom of the ladder with one win, Cripps has been a shining light, leading the league in contested possessions and second in clearances.
His re-signing comes as yet another boost to the struggling club who have been able to lock away several promising youngsters, most notably boom key forward Charlie Curnow.
Coach Brendon Bolton spoke to carltonfc.com.au about the signing of Cripps as well as his teammates.
“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," Bolton said.
"He is a bull around the stoppages and I’ve often said he inspires others with his contested work.
“His commitment shows a huge amount of belief in the club and the path we’re on.
"With the recent re-signings of (Marc) Murphy, Curnow, (Paddy) Dow, (Lochie) O’Brien and (Zac) Fisher, our members and supporters know the club is heading in the right direction for sustained success.”
