As announced on Friday morning, Carlton captain Patrick Cripps agreed to terms with the club on a six-year deal that is set to keep him at Princes Park until his 32nd birthday.
Although Blues fans everywhere without doubt let out a collective sigh of relief upon hearing the news, they are sure to have a new found love for the Western Australian after reports that Cripps' lengthy deal sits well below what he could have obtained on the open market.
Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph reported on Friday afternoon the the aforementioned agreement between captain and club is said to worth $200,000 a year less than the midfielder's perceived value.
Ralph also stated that this pay-cut was selflessly devised by Cripps himself so as to allow Carlton to still attract further talent this off-season.
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With a boost to their bottom line, the Blues now free to attack out-of-contract Fremantle midfielder Adam Cerra during this season's trade period.
Two players have been named as potential trade options to land the 21-year-old. #AFL https://t.co/QGZhf9Z9Qv
— Zero Hanger (@zerohanger) June 20, 2021
The 16-time premiers can also turn their attention to retaining Cripps' midfield mate Sam Walsh whose contract expires at the end of next season.
Due to his sublime recent form and his reported leadership abilities, Ralph was of the belief that Walsh could expect to command a yearly figure of around $800,000.
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According to Ralph, the 26-year-old Cripps' freshly inked deal is said to be worth around $900,000 to $950,000 per annum, however, this will shrink to $750,000 by the time the deal expires at the cessation of the 2027 season.
The recommitted Cripps and his co-captain Sam Docherty will lead the Navy Blues into their 'do or die' battle against Adelaide on Sunday afternoon at Marvel Stadium.
