When Patrick Cripps’ name was read out by Carlton at the 2013 AFL draft, he couldn’t believe he was heading to Ikon Park to play alongside his idol: Chris Judd.
As we prepare to farewell our champion this Sunday afternoon at the MCG, the young midfielder and vice-captain Michael Jamison spoke to the Carlton website to share their stories and reminisce about ‘Juddy’.
Hailing from regional WA, Cripps was a “mad Eagles” supporter and was lucky enough to be at the 2006 AFL Grand Final when West Coast took home its third premiership.
The 20-year-old said Judd’s “explosiveness and pace” always made him a standout player in West Coast’s line up and someone to look up to.
“He was one of the Eagles’ best players and everyone just loved watching him play.
“In 2013, when I was drafted to Carlton, it was amazing to play with him and it was pretty surreal – he was awesome for me,” Cripps said.
Surreal certainly would sum it up – going from sitting in the stands at Subiaco and cheering on Juddy, to training alongside the dual Brownlow medallist at Ikon Park.
“When I got to the club I saw guys like Judd, ‘Murph’ and big ‘Jamo’ floating around and it was a weird feeling because I’ve looked up to them for so long, and now all of a sudden I’m training with them,” Cripps said.
Michael “big Jamo” Jamison was in the leadership group with Judd and said the six-time All Australian had an “enormous impact on the entire club”.
“I think he was the player that brought about the most change at Ikon Park, in terms of leading from the front and making sure guys were aware of exactly what it takes to become a true professional AFL player,” Jamison said.
As a young 18-year-old arriving at Carlton, Cripps said the No.5’s training regime was something to behold, as was his “footy brain”.
Patrick Cripps in action under the watchful eye of his idol Chris Judd. (Photo: Carlton Football Club)
“He was so diligent and always took that extra step to improve his ball work and skills,” Cripps said.
“His footy brain was always spot on – he analysed games so well.”
When it comes to favourite Juddy memories, Jamison said he would always remember the match-winning part Judd played in the 2013 elimination final against Richmond.
“He had no right to play because he had a knee injury, which would have kept most players out for another month, but he willed himself to play and really won us the game in the third quarter,” he said.
Off the field, Jamison said Judd had another secret talent, admitting the star “thinks he can rap”.
“I’ve seen some pretty good hip-hop battles,” Jamison laughed.
“If you give him a few words he’s pretty good on the improv and he can bang out a pretty good tune.”
If you would like to write a personal message of thanks to Chris Judd or let him know your favourite Juddy memory, you can head to The Carlton Shop at Ikon Park and sign the #THANK5 book.
The book will be at the shop until Saturday, and will then be available to sign until the start of the game this Sunday at the MCG, in our merchandise stand at Carlton Central outside Gate 3.
The messages of #THANK5 will then be presented to Judd as a memento from fans.
