Cripps happy with Carlton performance, midfield role in AFL preseason hit-out against Melbourne

Carlton skipper and Northampton export Patrick Cripps has praised his side after they edged past AFL premiers Melbourne in their final preseason hit-out, with Cripps dominant in the centre alongside a fresh Blues midfield brigade.

Cripps racked up 60 disposals as Carlton beat the Demons by five points at Marvel Stadium in the AAMI Community Series last Thursday, 15.8 (98) to 14.9 (93).

He had 30 disposals, eight tackles and four goals as well as taking three marks and covering plenty of the park.

“We take a lot of confidence out of our preseason, we had a really tough one and we had a lot of boys out on the track,” Cripps said.

“Although these games don’t mean that much for a team like us, we feel like we’re on the way up — you always take confidence out of the wins and you want to play the right way the whole time.”

Cripps praised new Blues George Hewett and Adam Cerra after they combined for 63 disposals and 11 clearances in the middle of the park, saying they have slotted in well.

“It makes my job easier,” he said. “They’re tough, they’re clean and they came in and just worked hard.

“The boys love them, they get on with everyone and it’s only the start.

“We’ve got Walshy (vice-captain Sam Walsh) to add, that’s the exciting part.

“But against arguably the best midfield in the comp, it was good to have a hit-out.”

Carlton play Richmond at the MCG in their season opener on March 17.