Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps on expectations, prime time and teams to beat ahead of 2024 season

Northampton superstar and Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps says he’s not buying into the weight of expectations on the Blues in 2024 after last year’s impressive season. The Brownlow medallist said at the AFL Captains Day this week the team had become more resilient and hungry. The Blues kick off their 2024 campaign against Brisbane at the Gabba on Friday, March 8, in a rematch of last year’s preliminary final, which saw Carlton fall short of a grand final berth after two finals wins. “Expectations, that’s something we can’t control, I don’t really buy into that stuff,” Cripps said. “We’re really clear on what makes us a good team, I’m really clear on what makes me a good player. “You can either go into these years anxious or excited and we’re all excited. We’ve done a power of work, we’re really strong on our identity and our belief in what makes us a good side. “We just want to get up to the Gabba and attack it and see where it goes. There will be adversity throughout the year ... we’ve been through a lot as a group now that we know the way forward.” Carlton is set to star in a significant portion of games shown in prime time this year, which Cripps puts down to the club’s passionate fan base. “When we’re up and about, there’s a good buzz around town,” he said. “I see it as a privilege to play in those time slots. I grew up watching them. Thursday and Friday night footy, that’s the big crowds, play with your mates, that’s what you want to do so we’re lucky to do that and we’ll make sure we play some good footy.” Cripps rated last year’s premiers Collingwood and runners-up Brisbane as the teams to beat in 2024. “They’re the two. Obviously grand finalists for a reason. We play Brisbane first and then we’ve got two cracks at Collingwood. They’re the games you love to get up for,” he said. While scratch matches are not usually a solid indication of a team’s form, Carlton suffered a 38-point loss to Melbourne in its final dress rehearsal on Wednesday. Carlton has two other Mid West players on its list — Jack Martin and Jack Carroll. Martin will be seeking to build on his strong finish to the past season, particularly during the finals campaign, while Carroll will be hoping for an opportunity to break into and cement his place in the side in his fourth AFL season, having played six games since 2022.