A Patrick Cripps trade away from Carlton will not ‘shock’ anyone

It’s believed that Michael Voss’ time as Carlton coach is well and truly over, but could the Blues’ captain be set for a departure as well?

Less than a year after Zach Merrett sensationally tried to leave a struggling Essendon side for Hawthorn, it’s believed Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps could also seek a similar path.

On Monday night, veteran journalist Damian Barrett told Footy Classified that there is some belief around the industry that the two-time Brownlow medallist would be an open to a fresh start.

«It’s not going to surprise me, and I think quite a few people in football, if Paddy Cripps chooses to go down a similar path to Zach Merrett,» Barrett said.

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«There’s been no official word that he wants out, but there’s enough murmurings now. I’ve been checking this story out now for weeks and I take everyone connected to him at their word, including him, that he hasn’t considered it.

«But look the two clubs in Perth are not going to be surprised if his management at some stuff, about this (upcoming) bye period, just make an enquiry about it.

«It’s not going to shock anyone in this footy if he chooses to leave.»

After making finals in 2023 and 2024, the only two finals appearances of Cripps’ career, the Blues are once again stuck down the bottom of the ladder, currently sitting in 16th with a record of 1-7.

Reports over the weekend suggest Voss’ days as Carlton coach are numbered, and it’s only a matter of when, not if he will be let go.

Cripps has long been one of the only bright spots throughout a difficult period of Carlton’s history, but has himself been struggling for consistent form in 2026.

He finished Saturday’s loss to St Kilda with just 14 disposals, his fewest in a game in nearly three years.

A Patrick Cripps trade away from Carlton will not ‘shock’ anyone

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