HIGHLY-rated Carlton youngster Patrick Cripps will wear the famous No.9 guernsey next season.

Cripps, who was the Blues' first selection at pick No.13 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, has been handed the jumper worn with distinction by Carlton champion Ken Hunter.

Hunter sported the number in 147 games, including three premiership victories, during an outstanding nine-year career which earned him selection in Carlton's Team of the 20^th Century.

Cripps wore number 16 in his debut season, when he played three games and was partly restricted by a broken leg.

The 190cm midfielder takes over the guernsey from delisted Blue Kane Lucas, who is now at West Coast.

“I always wore nine in juniors growing up,” Cripps told carltonfc.com.au.

“I wore it back in the country for Northampton Junior Football Club, the old Rams.

"I won a few awards in the junior comp and you were pretty stoked when you won awards in them days.”

The 19-year-old, who met Hunter earlier this year, said he was mindful he would be wearing a prestigious number next season.

Hunter, who won the Blues' best and fairest in 1981 - his first season and also a premiership year – said he was pleased to see the number pass to another West Australian.

“I did meet him briefly when I was with Jon Dorotich at the MCG and I was very impressed by him,” Hunter said.

“I’d be proud to see another West Australian running around in the No.9 and I’m sure he’s got a bright future.”