“IT’S been a crazy week.”
Patrick Cripps isn’t going to forget the week commencing Monday 1 April 2024 anytime soon.
After he and wife Monique welcomed baby Koda into the world, Cripps spent a few days at home with family before linking up with teammates a day prior to the Gather Round clash with Fremantle.
It was the kind of game which Cripps relished: a tough, tight contest which ended with a memorable Carlton win at the death.
Speaking to FOX Footy, Cripps praised the way in which everybody played their roles to a t — and he wasn’t just referring to his teammates.
“I was a bit nervous, I thought the birth was going to come next week. To Mon’s credit, she played her role very nicely,” Cripps said with a laugh.
“I was lucky enough to spend a couple of days with her and little Koda, I’m pretty keen to get back and see her.
“I’ve mastered the swaddle already.”
Saturday was another example of Carlton looking to master the close finish, and put its fans through the ringer in the process.
The manner in which the Blues this game wasn’t lost on the skipper, coming from behind in the closing stages rather than holding on as they’ve been so used to over the last nine months.
“A lot of the games we’ve won, we’ve been in front late, so to come from behind and have the composure, ‘Cotts’ and Matty Kennedy stood up late. They’re big pressure moments.
“We’ve had some heartache over the years, losing close ones, but we’ve learned our lessons.
“We’ve always had belief but we probably lost confidence in the middle of last year, and then we found it at the back end and been on a roll ever since. We’ve got a clear expectation and standards inside in terms of each role and what every player brings.”
