CARLTON vice-captain Patrick Cripps will continue to pull on the Old Dark Navy Blue guernsey for at least the next three years after agreeing to terms on a new deal with the Club.

The new contract extension will see the midfielder remain at Ikon Park until at least the end of the 2021 season.

Taken with the Blues’ first-round selection in 2013 (No.13 overall), the hard-working 23-year-old has already recorded an impressive list of achievements in his short 74-game career.

In 2015, he was crowned Carlton’s John Nicholls Medallist, becoming the youngest Blues player to win the Club’s top honour since John Nicholls himself, while also placing second in the AFL’s Rising Star award. For two consecutive years he was a member of the AFLPA’s 22Under22 Team and since making his debut against Melbourne in Round 4, 2014, has amassed 29 Brownlow votes.

His ability to win his own ball has once again been a highlight for the Blues in 2018, as he continues to mix it with the AFL’s elite. The fan-favourite is currently ranked No.1 in the competition for contested possessions with an average of 17.9 per game and second in the league for clearances with an average of 7.4 per game.

| "We've got a pretty special player who has committed and can see where we're headed as a group."



Watch all the reaction from the playing group as Brendon Bolton and Patrick Cripps addressed yesterday's big news. #BoundByBlue pic.twitter.com/gyMup2xfQe — Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) July 26, 2018

Senior coach Brendon Bolton praised the young leader, who assumed co-vice-captaincy alongside Sam Docherty earlier this year.

“We know the calibre of Patrick Cripps and the strength of his character. He’s a critical component of our side, and importantly an outstanding person, so we’re thrilled he’ll continue to represent our club for at least the next three years,” Bolton said.

“Since he walked through the doors at the end of 2013, his determination and drive, as well as his passion and love of the game have been inspiring to watch. He is a bull around the stoppages and I’ve often said he inspires others with his contested work.

“His commitment shows a huge amount of belief in the Club and the path we’re on. With the recent re-signings of Murphy, Curnow, Dow, O’Brien and Fisher, our members and supporters know the Club is heading in the right direction for sustained success.”



There'll be plenty more of these celebrations to come from Patrick Cripps into the coming seasons. (Photo: AFL Media)

Hailing from Northampton in Western Australia, Cripps said he always wanted to recommit to the Carlton Football Club.

“This club is a second home to me and the friends I’ve made at Carlton are like family, so I never had any intention to leave,” Cripps said.

“The support the Club has given me since I arrived has been exceptional and I want to repay the belief they’ve shown in me over the past five years.

“We’ve got a great group of coaches at the Blues and I know my game will continue to improve under ‘Bolts’. He’s had a huge, positive impact on my career as well as my teammates.

“You play football to achieve team success, and as a group, we’re committed to putting in the hard work to get the results. In spite of some challenging realities on-field this season, we’re a very tight-knit group and I’ve never been more determined to help this side achieve the ultimate success soon.”

Cripps joins Marc Murphy, Charlie Curnow, Zac Fisher, Tom De Koning, Patrick Kerr, Paddy Dow and Lochie O’Brien in extending their contracts with the Club throughout the year.