WHEN Cripps played in the West Australian under-15s side, he was the smallest in the team. Three years on, it is Cripps' height that is his defining factor in his push towards the NAB AFL Draft. Cripps grew 20cm in two years and now stands at 192cm, and this season he learned how to use it.
He was one of his state's most impressive players through the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, and at the end of them won All Australian honours. His best game came in the final round against South Australia, when Cripps had 21 disposals and started much of his side's attacking forays. Cripps is the third cousin of West Coast half-forward Jamie Cripps.
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STRENGTHS
An extractor, Cripps knows how to find the footy and get it out. On average, he won 12 contested disposals and six clearances a game through the under-18 championships, and 24 disposals in 13 games for the East Fremantle Colts. His size gives him an advantage. He's a big guy who bustles through, gets clearances and uses his frame to push past others. Cripps has good foot skills and finds a target most of the time.
WEAKNESSES
Cripps is not a big runner, and only managed 13.2 in the beep test at this month's NAB AFL Draft Combine. That's something to build on, but will probably come as he grows more familiar with his size and strength. With greater spread from a contest, it will allow him to pick up a few more uncontested possessions and run with the ball more.
STRENGTHS
An extractor, Cripps knows how to find the footy and get it out. On average, he won 12 contested disposals and six clearances a game through the under-18 championships, and 24 disposals in 13 games for the East Fremantle Colts. His size gives him an advantage. He's a big guy who bustles through, gets clearances and uses his frame to push past others. Cripps has good foot skills and finds a target most of the time.
WEAKNESSES
Cripps is not a big runner, and only managed 13.2 in the beep test at this month's NAB AFL Draft Combine. That's something to build on, but will probably come as he grows more familiar with his size and strength. With greater spread from a contest, it will allow him to pick up a few more uncontested possessions and run with the ball more.
PLAYS LIKE
Cripps has the same frame as Fremantle's David Mundy, who also centres his game around being adept at the stoppages. People talk about needing at least one trick to get drafted. With his midfield height and clearance work, Cripps has two major qualities.
DRAFT RANGE
Most likely to be picked in the 20-40 range.
BOTTOM LINE
Cripps isn't a line-breaker, but his best attributes stack up with any other in the draft. Built for the modern game.
Cripps has the same frame as Fremantle's David Mundy, who also centres his game around being adept at the stoppages. People talk about needing at least one trick to get drafted. With his midfield height and clearance work, Cripps has two major qualities.
DRAFT RANGE
Most likely to be picked in the 20-40 range.
BOTTOM LINE
Cripps isn't a line-breaker, but his best attributes stack up with any other in the draft. Built for the modern game.
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