Patrick Cripps has spoken to reassure disappointed Carlton fans that the club is doing all they can to turn around their collapsing 2021 season.
Carlton slumped to 4-9 after what has become an all-to-typical loss to the Giants on Saturday night. The Blues went down by 36 points in a performance that lacked any sort of defensive pressure you’d expect from a team under such scrutiny.
The Blues lost the tackle count 79-41. Staggering considering they lost the disposal count as well. The Giants were able to move the ball at will and cruised to a comfortable victory despite the Blues closing to within 11 points at one stage.
Speaking on Monday morning, Patrick Cripps said this group’s effort can be questioned despite that lack of defensive intent the Blues have shown throughout 2021.
“It’s something we’ve got to address. One thing I will say about this group is that we give effort every week," said Cripps.
"It’s disappointing that the tackle count was like that but at the same time we were winning the ground ball stat, it wasn’t a lack of effort, we were still winning the ball but pressure’s definitely something that we need to address as a group.”
Cripps said while there was no quick fix for the Blues' issues, the group would benefit from having more fun as a group and enjoying their football again.
“We’ll review the game pretty heavily and make sure we keep each other accountable and have fun. Footy’s a fun game and we know we are at our best when we are having fun and enjoying it," Cripps said.
“A few beers never hurts. Just things like at training you do it with purpose and you’re on the edge. You want to create an environment where everyone enjoys coming in and credit to this group one thing we always do is that.
"We are a close group and we do have a lot of fun. Things aren’t clicking for us at the moment but they will soon."
The Carlton co-captain said he expected a response from the group this week as they look to get something out of the second-half of the season.
“As a club we are frustrated at the moment but we know there’s a lot of footy left to turn it around. I wouldn’t say it’s all gone wrong in one area… we need to respond this week. I have a lot of faith in this group," Cripps stated.
Cripps is out of contract at the end of the season and despite it being reported he and the club had agreed to a deal, no official announcement has been made.
The 26 year-old said the first-half of the season was having no impact on his decision making and that it was a matter of when not if.
“It (contract situation) is the same as it was the other day. We are still working through it. That (form) hasn’t been a factor at all, it never has been," said Cripps.
"We’re just working out a few minor details, myself and the club are on the same page with it."
Cripps acknowledged he had been through this type of pressure before having been captain when Brendon Bolton was sacked as well as at the club for the departure of Mick Malthouse, but said the group are fully behind David Teague.
“I’ve seen teams turn around quickly, I’ve been in this position before as a group and I’ve seen how we can play good footy.”
“When results don’t go your way it can be frustrating at times and you might lose a bit of confidence but we’ve got a clear focus as a team and you’ve got to stick together. we have to stick as a group and have some fun. We’ll turn it, a week’s a long time in footy.
“When I say the group I mean everyone (including Teague). Club’s are unified and they stick together. 'Teaguey' and the coaching staff are working as hard as us players and they’d be just as frustrated as we are and we are all in this together.
