Carlton shining light Patrick Cripps believes it would be counter-productive for the rebuilding Blues to blood youngsters before they're ready, judging from his own experience of making the huge jump up to AFL level.

The Blues' hierarchy has declared the club needs to regenerate through the draft, trades and free agency, but coach Mick Malthouse has been adamant young players still had to earn their spots.

It's a view shared by Cripps, who is rated alongside dynamic forward Troy Menzel as one of the club's brightest talents.

While understanding Carlton's direction, the 20-year-old midfielder said it was important the next generation – including mature-ager Blaine Boekhorst or Dillon Viojo-Rainbow – felt ready for the step up.

"We've definitely got the talent there, but in your first year – which I found last year - it's a big step from Under-18s to AFL level," Cripps told AFL.com.au.

"So there's no point being chucked in if you're not ready. Those boys have got to keep working hard, get their body right, get their fitness right and when they're ready they'll get their chance.

"Obviously we want to take this club forward, but you also want to earn a game – you don't want to be gifted a game.

"I think that's the most important thing."

Cripps, who was pick No.13 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, managed three senior games in his first year, when he was hampered by a broken leg.

But the West Australian looks ready to push for a regular spot this season.

In just his fifth match on Saturday, he collected a personal-best 22 touches – including 15 contested – and impressed in a 21-point defeat to Essendon at the MCG.

"I was happy with how I went, but it was a little step forward and I've got to try to keep improving," he said.

"Obviously playing against the likes of (Dyson) Heppell and (Jobe) Watson you analyse the game and you take bits and pieces from how they do it.

"You just can't beat that because the knowledge you gain from the way they play is just awesome."

Standing at roughly 193cm, Cripps has the bigger body of modern-day prototype midfielders such as 190cm star Nat Fyfe or Jobe Watson – who he has modeled his game on.

But the emerging star said the chance to learn from his mentor Bryce Gibbs, Chris Judd, Marc Murphy and Andrew Carrazzo had also been invaluable.

"They give me the confidence when I'm in there to play your own footy and believe in yourself," he said.

"Some of the older blokes we've got there setting the example, you can't just kick them out and chuck young boys in.

"I think the club is in a position where we can still compete.

"(Against Essendon) it was a real good step forward in terms of having the effort there.

"I don't reckon we're too far off it."

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