ONE TO Remember

Monique Cripps can remember meeting a fresh-faced Patrick back in Perth in 2015, not knowing at all where her life would be nine years later.

Now living in Melbourne married to Patrick, and a mother to Koda, it’s safe to say a lot has happened for the couple. As she reflects on the upcoming milestone for her husband, Monique admits it hasn’t felt like that long at all.

“Two hundred games, it’s only just hit me recently,” Monique said.

“Seeing him from a young guy, just starting dating, to us getting married, being a dad, and so much change over time… it doesn’t actually feel like it’s been that long.”

Monique, always his number one supporter, takes pride in how her husband has led Carlton, especially through challenging times.

Noting the club has always supported both of them wholeheartedly, she says it’s Patrick’s positive outlook on life that has made the journey one that she will look back on fondly.

“There have been a lot of good memories and a lot of heartache,” she said.

“I think he always approached things with such a positive outlook, he always looks to the future in such a positive way.

“I think during [the rougher] times, he had a lot of support; everyone at the Club gets along really well.

“I think approaching people and saying ‘this is what we’re going through,’ he was forward-thinking on how they can better themselves in the future and achieve what they’ve always wanted to.”

Now seeing some individual and team success, Monique is glad things are turning for the better for the 29-year-old.

Always pedantic and driven by his routine, she admits it’s good to see him get some reward for effort after working hard for so long.

“It’s been a massive change in him: not only has he matured in himself, he’s always been motivated, but the motivation just continues to grow and the dedication to his team, to Carlton,” she said.

“It’s nice to see him going into his 200th with Carlton doing so well.”

Reflecting on being first-time parents, Monique acknowledges that you’re never fully prepared, but she and Patrick have found their rhythm with Koda.

She shares that Patrick, who has dubbed himself ‘Daddy Cool,’ is always eager to play and abandon the routine—unless it involves football.

“He’s a great dad – he plays her ‘Daddy Cool’ because he thinks he’s Daddy Cool, that’s his song with her lately,” she said.

“He just plays. I’m sure once the season is over he’ll get into more of a routine with her.”

Having the majority of their support system living in Western Australia, there will be close to 70 people flying over to watch the 200-gamer take the field at Marvel Stadium.

Monique says that, as a devoted family man and a loyal friend, it's no wonder people will come from all over to celebrate her husband, who is always the first to lend a hand to those around him.

“It’s so special. We don’t have much family over here, so having them here around this time – yes, it’s a lot of people – but it’s amazing,” she said.

“It’s nice knowing they all care so much for Paddy and his achievements – it reflects on the person he is.

“It’s nice having them around, celebrating a big milestone. A lot of people are coming who haven’t met Koda yet, so that will be really nice.”