Jason Dover, of Stride Sports Management, told AFL.com.au on Wednesday Cripps remained hopeful of finding his way to West Coast before the end of the Gillette AFL Trade Period this Friday.
But Cripps' chances of becoming an Eagle appear to hinge on a West Coast backflip after St Kilda head of football Chris Pelchen told AFL.com.au on Wednesday the Saints were still trying to include key defender Mitch Brown in any trade for Cripps.
West Coast has steadfastly refused to consider trading the contracted Brown throughout the trade period.
Nonetheless, Dover said St Kilda's ability to conclude a drawn-out trade for Gold Coast ruckman Tom Hickey on Tuesday night should help Cripps' chances of moving to West Coast.
"In the next 48 hours we're hopeful we'll get some movement," Dover said.
"Things have been stationary in recent days, but with the Saints completing the Hickey trade we expect Jamie's trade will get done."
Asked what would happen if the Saints and Eagles could not agree on a trade for Cripps, 20, Dover said his uncontracted client - who was St Kilda's first pick in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft at pick No. 24 - would take his chances in the draft.
"Jamie has made his mind up that he wants to go home to Western Australia. He's homesick and wants to be closer to his family and girlfriend," Dover said.
"So he's prepared to nominate for the draft if needs be, which would leave St Kilda with nothing.
"But we're hopeful it won't come to that."
AFL.com.au understands West Coast has offered to exchange a second round pick for Cripps - it holds picks No. 41 and 44.
But Pelchen made it clear the Saints remain fixed on snaring Brown to bolster their undermanned defence.
"We are having ongoing discussions with West Coast but to this point in time, have not had any resolution to securing a satisfactory trade," Pelchen said.
"We have repeated the fact that both Jamie and Mitch Brown are seeking trades back to their home states and we are compassionate to Jamie's request.
"Unfortunately, we have not received any indication that West Coast will accommodate Mitch's request for a move back to Victoria, but remain hopeful that this might still occur for the benefit of both players and the clubs."
Dover said Cripps was set on joining the Eagles and had not considered a trade to Fremantle.
Cripps was recruited by the Saints from WAFL club East Fremantle.
Around the time he was drafted in 2010, Cripps was diagnosed with type one diabetes.
Cripps, 183cm, has played 16 AFL games and kicked 16 goals for the Saints, alternating primarily between defence and the forward line.
He played just four games in his first season, 2011, when he was plagued with calf problems.
He played 12 games this year, including eight of the Saints' first 10 games and their final four matches.
Nick Bowen is a reporter with AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nick
