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Carlton coach David Teague backs WA star Patrick Cripps to stay at Blues with new deal

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Catherine HealeyThe West Australian
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Patrick Cripps won’t be joining a star-studded Eagles midfield or rising Dockers brigade in 2022 if Carlton coach David Teague gets his way.

Cripps, the West Aussie boy from Northampton, put contract talks with the Blues on hold midway through this season, after spending several weeks back in WA during the AFL’s COVID hub.

The move sparked rumours Cripps could set his sights on a return home to WA for 2022 and beyond.

But Teague says his star midfielder is going nowhere.

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“Knowing Patrick … the conversations we’ve had over in the off-season in terms of how to make this club better and really grow ... I feel extremely comfortable that Patrick is so committed to this club,” Teague said on SEN.

“He’s a large piece of where this club’s going.”

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Patrick Cripps has one year remaining on his deal with Carlton.
Camera IconPatrick Cripps has one year remaining on his deal with Carlton. Credit: MICHAEL DODGE/AAPIMAGE

Teague admitted he hadn’t spoken to Cripps about his contract, which is due to end after the 2021 season, but wasn’t concerned.

“I don’t think I need to have those conversations,” Teague admitted.

“I love working with him, I love what he brings to our playing group both on the field and off the field.

“I think he’ll understand his importance and the impact of the people around him.”

Cripps, who previously described Carlton as his “second home”, has played 118 games for the Blues since being taken with pick 13 in the 2013 AFL Draft.

But he’s never tasted success at the club, with Carlton missing finals every year since Cripps’ debut in 2014.

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