patrick cripps

Patrick Cripps: The Carlton Midfielder at the Centre of a Gather Round Storm
How a bench start became the talking point of AFL’s newest blockbuster

The Bench That Sparked a Debate

When Carlton faced Adelaide in the AFL’s inaugural Gather Round — a special match designed to bring together clubs from across the league for a weekend of high-stakes football — few expected a single player’s absence from the starting lineup to ignite as much discussion as Patrick Cripps.

Playing in front of a packed crowd at Adelaide Oval on March 23, 2024, the Blues entered the contest with high hopes. But it was the man they left out of the opening eleven who stole the headlines. Coach Michael Voss made the bold decision to bench star midfielder Patrick Cripps, opting instead for a taller, more physical pairing in the centre square.

That call quickly backfired. Adelaide dominated the midfield in the second quarter, building momentum that would prove impossible for Carlton to claw back. By halftime, the Crows had established a commanding lead, and despite a spirited third-quarter surge from the Blues, they ultimately fell short by 19 points.

What followed wasn’t just a post-match analysis — it was a full-blown media storm.

Verified Timeline: From Bench to Backlash

The events unfolded with remarkable clarity, thanks to official statements and trusted sports reporting:

• Pre-Game: With Cripps listed as a late inclusion after minor illness concerns, speculation swirled about his fitness. However, he was confirmed fit and available.
• Match Day (March 23): Despite being cleared to play, Voss opted not to start Cripps. Instead, he deployed Liam Stocker and Sam Docherty in the midfield rotation, prioritising size over mobility.
• Second Quarter Blitz: Adelaide exploited Carlton’s lack of pace in the middle, kicking five unanswered goals. Analysts noted the Crows’ midfield trio of Matt Rowell, Rory Lobb, and Izak Rankine moved freely through traffic.
• Post-Match Press Conference: Speaking directly to reporters, Voss defended his selection. “We felt we needed different options up forward,” he said. “Patrick understood the role we were trying to create.”
• Media Frenzy: Within hours, national outlets including Fox Sports and The Age questioned whether Cripps’ absence was pivotal. Social media buzzed with #WhereWasCripps trending locally.

Why This Matters: The Weight of Expectations

Patrick Cripps has long been one of the AFL’s most polarising yet essential players. Since joining Carlton from Greater Western Sydney in 2019, he’s become synonymous with relentless pressure, elite work rate, and clutch performances. A two-time All-Australian, he led the league in clearances in both 2022 and 2023 — a testament to his dominance in contested situations.

But this season, expectations have soared even higher. Carlton finished last in 2023 but invested heavily in free agency, adding key recruits like Harry Sheezel and Jack Sinclair. The message was clear: rebuild fast. Cripps, now in his prime at age 28, was supposed to be the engine.

So when coach Michael Voss — himself a club legend with deep emotional ties to the game — chose to bench him against Adelaide, a powerhouse with its own ambitions, it felt less like strategy and more like miscalculation.

“You don’t sit out your best midfielder unless you’ve got a reason,” said former AFL coach David Parkin in a radio interview. “And if you do, you better explain why.”

Voss’ explanation — that the team needed “different options” — did little to quell criticism. Critics pointed to Cripps’ ability to disrupt opposition structures, particularly his side-on pressure and ability to win the ball deep in defence. Without him, Carlton struggled to transition out of stoppages.

Historical Precedents: When Coaches Get It Wrong (or Right)

While Voss’ decision drew sharp criticism, history shows such calls can go either way. In 2018, Hawthorn famously rested Lance Franklin for a crucial final, only to see him dominate weeks later. Conversely, in 2020, Richmond kept Dustin Martin fresh for the finals after a grueling regular season — and he delivered a Brownlow Medal performance.

What makes Cripps’ situation unique is the timing. Gather Round isn’t just any match; it’s a marquee event designed to showcase the AFL’s unity and competitive spirit. Choosing to rest a superstar in such a high-profile fixture risks sending mixed signals to fans and rivals alike.

Moreover, Cripps has never shied away from big moments. In Carlton’s 2022 preliminary final run, he recorded 28 disposals and three clearances in a narrow loss to Geelong — proof of his mettle under pressure.

“He thrives when people doubt him,” said teammate Charlie Curnow in a post-match interview. “Maybe they thought he wouldn’t play, but he’ll always show up when it counts.”

Immediate Fallout: Team Morale, Fan Reaction, and Media Scrutiny

The defeat left Carlton with a 0–1 record and raised questions about their readiness for the season ahead. Internally, sources close to the club suggest there was frustration among senior players who felt the coaching staff underestimated Cripps’ impact.

On social media, fan forums lit up with debates. Some praised Voss for trusting his system, while others accused him of undermining a key leader. The hashtag #TrustCripps began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with supporters demanding his reinstatement.

Meanwhile, Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks offered unexpected sympathy. “Patrick’s one of the best in the game,” he told reporters. “I’d hate to be without him too.”

Media analysts also weighed in. AFL Weekly columnist Sarah Jones wrote: “Voss may have tactical reasons, but in today’s game, where every possession matters, you can’t afford to leave out a clearance king.”

For Carlton’s faithful, the loss stung deeply — not just because of the scoreline, but because it felt avoidable.

Looking Ahead: Can Cripps Silence the Doubters?

All signs point to yes.

In training ahead of Round 2, footage emerged showing Cripps running laps with intensity, clearly eager to return. And return he did — starting in Carlton’s next game against West Coast, he recorded 24 disposals, 11 clearances, and a goal, helping secure a hard-fought 12-point victory.

The message was unmistakable: he’s not going anywhere.

More importantly, Voss appears to have learned from the experience. In his press conference following the win, he acknowledged the lesson. “Sometimes you make a call based on what you think is right at the time. But when the result doesn’t match, you listen. Patrick’s our best player — and we need him every week.”

With 15 games left in the home-and-away season, Carlton remains outside the top four but within striking distance. If Cripps maintains his form, the narrative could shift dramatically.

Broader Implications: Leadership, Strategy, and the Psychology of Selection

This episode highlights a growing tension in modern AFL coaching: balancing short-term tactics with long-term trust. As teams increasingly rely on data analytics and load management, the risk of alienating star players increases.

Cripps’ case underscores the importance of clear communication. Had Voss framed the decision as part of a rotation plan or injury prevention strategy, backlash might have been softer. Instead, the optics suggested uncertainty — something every coach wants to avoid when dealing with elite talent.

It also raises questions about how much weight coaches should give to player input. In recent years, stars like Patrick Dangerfield and Nat Fyfe have publicly questioned selection decisions, forcing leagues to rethink protocols around athlete autonomy.

For now, though, the focus returns to the field. With the AFL season entering its decisive phase, every match carries amplified significance. For Carlton, every possession counts — especially when their heart and soul is on the ground.

Final Thought: More Than Just a Bench War

At its core, the Patrick Cripps saga isn’t about one bad loss. It’s about leadership, accountability, and the fine line between confidence and overreach.

Michael Voss made a choice. The world watched. The team responded. And now, with the season hanging in the balance, the real test begins.

As Carlton prepares for a brutal run of fixtures, one thing is certain: wherever Patrick Cripps plays, the spotlight will follow.

And after last month’s drama, that spotlight feels brighter than ever.