CARLTON has secured its most significant re-signing yet, tying gun midfielder Patrick Cripps to a two-year contract extension.
Already signed through to the end of next season, Cripps' extension ensures the club's vice-captain will remain at Ikon Park until at least the end of 2021.
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"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."
Cripps, 23, has played 76 games for Carlton, enjoying his finest campaign to date this year.
He leads the League for contested possessions per game and is second for clearances, with his signature set to provide the Blues' hopes of a successful rebuild with a huge boost.
The rugged on-baller has developed into one of the competition's most imposing midfielders over recent years, having become Carlton's youngest ever best and fairest winner when he claimed the John Nicholls Medal in 2015, at just 20 years of age.
Another outstanding campaign this season has him among the favourites for the Brownlow Medal, despite his struggling Carlton side managing just one win for the year so far.
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"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," Carlton coach Brendon 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."
Cripps' re-signing follows contract extensions inked by fellow youngsters Charlie Curnow, Zac Fisher and Paddy Dow this year, along with skipper Marc Murphy.
