CARLTON captain Patrick Cripps and co-vice captain Jacob Weitering have been named in the 2024 All-Australian team.
Weitering has earned his first All-Australian honour, with Cripps donning the blazer for the fourth time, on the back of another outstanding season for the Blues.
Regarded for his selfless and courageous style of play, Cripps - who was named as the All-Australian vice captain for the second time in his career - has enjoyed an incredible season, leading the stat sheet on multiple occasions.
At the end of the 2024 home-and-away season, he led the AFL in total clearances, contested possessions, centre clearances and handballs, having not missed a game all year.
He also ranked in the top 10 for total score involvements and total disposals.
In a standout year, the 29-year-old averaged 28.7 disposals, 15.7 contested possessions and 8.1 clearances, also coming second in the AFLPA award.
Cripps also joins esteemed company, joining the likes of Chris Judd, Craig Bradley and Andrew McKay to notch up four All-Australian selections as a Blue.
Weitering has again been an integral part of the Carlton defence, playing in all but two games in the home-and-away fixture for the Club and leading brilliantly on the last line.
One of the AFL’s highest ranked defenders, the Blues’ co-vice captain was ranked No.1 in defensive one-on-one contests amongst key defenders this season, either winning or neutralising 88 per cent of contests he was involved in.
Taking on the role of defending the best opposition forward each week, Weitering had a standout match against Fremantle in Gather Round, with 21 disposals, 12 marks and seven intercepts in just his second game for the season.
Known for his remarkable consistency, Weitering has really established himself as one of the best key defenders in the competition over the past few years, ranking No.1 at the Blues for intercepts and one percenters this year.
Tonight’s achievement is also a testament to Weitering’s hard work and dedication, having appeared in the 44-man squad for the fifth consecutive team in 2024.
Earlier this week, Cripps and Weitering’s teammates Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay were named in the 44-man All-Australian squad.
Carlton AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss said all at the Club were proud of Cripps and Weitering’s All-Australian recognition.
“Patrick and Jacob have both had excellent seasons, not just as individuals but as leaders of this football club, so it is fitting they have earned All-Australian honours,” Voss said.
“You know what Patrick will deliver for his club week in and week out. Every game he lifts the energy, brings the joy, and leads from the front, you can’t ask for more than that as a coach.
“What stood out as soon as I walked in the doors at Carlton is how relentless Patrick has been in his pursuit to get the very best out of not only himself, but the Club as a whole. His efforts in 2024 were further proof of that.
“Jacob is the ultimate professional, someone who comes into the Club everyday ready to work and train at the highest level.
“His work this year as a leader too has been significant. The direction and guidance he provides for the evolving defensive group has been so impressive to watch, both on game day and during the week.
“To see the effort and time he takes with our young defenders off the field is a perfect example of the Carlton person he is.
“We are fortunate to have these two quality people representing our Club, so for them to be recognised as All Australians, we couldn’t be happier.”
