Another Cripps has arrived at Ikon Park, with Jack Cripps officially committing to the Northern Blues for the 2016 VFL season.
Cousin of Carlton young gun and reigning best and fairest Patrick, 19-year-old Cripps’ arrival at the Northern Blues is a welcomed addition to the club.
Cripps comes to the Blues after spending this year at East Fremantle, where he played three senior games. He featured for Western Australia in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships in 2014, before returning to the WAFL this season.
A key position prospect who is a strong mark and reliable kick for goal, Cripps - standing at 198cm - will look to cement a spot up forward to add to Northern’s goal threat.
However, his versatility was also on full display for his WAFL side this season, taking up a key position post at either end while also at times featuring on a wing.
Northern Blues General Manager Garry O’Sullivan said Cripps was a very welcomed addition to the Blues’ list for next season.
“It originally all come out of the blue after a recommendation from Stephen Silvagni, but we’re very excited by it. He’s 198cm and a growing young lad,” O’Sullivan said.
“Contact was made about a month ago via the recruiting department at Carlton, letting me know that Jack would be coming over next year and stay with his cousin Patrick and play with the Northern Blues.
"It was just a matter of working out the formalities from there."
O’Sullivan said Cripps had the ability to fill a hole in any position of the ground, and was looking forward to the youngster making a name for himself at Northern next season.
“In talking to him, he seems quite versatile. He’s played a fair bit of reserves WAFL football as well as getting some senior games,” O’Sullivan said.
“He’s played both as a key forward and a key back and even played a bit on a wing, so he’s got some good pace for a big guy.”
Cripps has become well-accustomed to the Northern Blues’ standards and training regime, having trained with the playing group for the past three weeks since arriving in Melbourne.
“It’ll be interesting to see where he fits in our system but I’m sure under the close attention of the Carlton Football Club and our coaching structure, it’ll be a win-win for all involved,” O’Sullivan said.