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Cripps inks huge new AFL deal with Blues

Shayne HopeAAP
Patrick Cripps has shown faith in Carlton by re-signing with the struggling AFL team for six years.
Camera IconPatrick Cripps has shown faith in Carlton by re-signing with the struggling AFL team for six years. Credit: AAP

Carlton co-captain Patrick Cripps has signed a monster new six-year contract in a huge boost for the under-fire AFL club.

The Blues (4-9) are out of finals contention and have commissioned an external review of their underperforming football department as they seek answers to this year's shortcomings.

But Cripps' signature comes as a strong vote of confidence for the direction he sees the club taking in future seasons.

Originally from Western Australia, the 26-year-old midfielder was due to become a restricted free agent at the end of this year and he attracted plenty of interest from rival clubs, including West Coast and Fremantle.

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"This place has become home - my decision was that simple," Cripps said.

"I couldn't be more confident in what we are building here.

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"It is not always going to be smooth sailing, but this group will not stop working until we achieve what we are striving for - winning that 17th premiership.

"We've been through some tough periods as a group and we'll continue to be challenged but none of that will shake our belief in the direction we are heading and what we are capable of."

Dual All-Australian Cripps has played 131 games for Carlton in eight seasons and is a three-time best-and-fairest winner.

He flagged his intention to remain at the club earlier this year but took time to agree to the details of his new deal.

"We've never seen a player more invested in seeing their football club succeed than Patrick Cripps," Blues list boss Nick Austin said.

"We all know he is a quality player but more importantly he is an exceptional Carlton person, who cares deeply about seeing this football club succeed.

"From the moment we sat down to discuss Patrick re-signing, he made it clear he wanted what was best for the football club - that tells you the calibre of person he is."

Cripps' new deal comes in the same month key forward Harry McKay signed a two-year contract to remain at Carlton.

The 14th-placed Blues take on Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

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