In the space of a month he has moved from one side of the country to the other and trekked through waist-deep snow – but it’s just the beginning of the journey for new Blue Patrick Cripps.

Cripps, who earned All-Australian selection in the Under-18s this year, was recruited to the Blues last month with Carlton’s first round draft pick.

The Western Australian says the events of the past month are still sinking in.

“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind to be honest,” Cripps said.

“Obviously moving over from WA to Melbourne – only there for a week then over to America – it’s pretty surreal, but it’s been great so far.”

Cripps is a big-bodied midfielder who prides himself on clearance work and winning the contested ball.

Not surprisingly, dual Brownlow medalist Chris Judd is one of the players Cripps has most looked up to and is looking forward to learning from.

In the meantime though, the 18-year-old says he doesn’t want to look too far ahead.

“I just want to get through a full pre-season and work on my aerobic base,” Cripps said.

“Hopefully I’m fit and ready to go by the practice matches and hopefully I get the opportunity – then I guess we’ll go from there.”