A viral video from a scrappy Carlton training session is “one of the funniest things” Patrick Cripps has seen, but it is one the club captain admits is not ideal for fans to see.
The clip emerged across social media late last week, showing players kicking the ball far wide of their targets despite having no defensive pressure.
Greats of the game were quick to voice their concerns about the footage, as fans had been comparing the standards of the session to that of a local team on social media.
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The criticism did not go unnoticed by Carlton players, especially not Cripps, although the two-time Brownlow Medallist had a vastly different view of it to league greats.
In fact, he conceded that the team simply “found the humour” in the clip and moved on.
“We had a ‘player’s culture day’ the other day, and we just found the humour in it,” he said, when asked how he addressed the clip on Triple M’s The Rush Hour with JB and Billy.
Patrick Cripps speaks to Triple M. Triple M
“It was one of the funniest things I’ve seen, watching it back.
“Our Carlton supporters wouldn’t have been pumped seeing that. It wasn’t great footage, but we saw the humour in it.
“I did laugh very hard watching that video … there was one guy that wheeled on his left (in the video) and put it three rows back… that may have been me,” he added, laughing.
“Luckily there wasn’t more vision of it because I did the same thing the second time.”
Patrick Cripps seen at a Carlton training session. AFL Photos via Getty Images
It may not only be Carlton fans who become alarmed by the video after Cripps’ explanation as he is also set to represent Western Australia in the State of Origin match on February 14.
Cripps will step into the captaincy role with the state team in that match, feeling fresh after an extended time off over the off-season.
“I went back to WA and rested and recovered,” he said.
“I feel as good as I ever have, and ready to get stuck into another year.
“I was a big advocate for (the State of Origin match). I was hoping it was going to get through. It’s been unreal the buy-in from the players – not only in WA but Victoria.
“We’ve got the best players playing. We’re going to treat the game with respect, and we want the game to carry on in future years. It’s going to be great.”
Cripps and the rest of Western Australia’s representatives will meet next Wednesday for a three-day camp to prepare for the battle.