Patrick Cripps has thrown down the gauntlet to his Carlton teammates, declaring it’s time to find out “who really wants to step up and dig in” as the club’s season threatens to spiral out of control.
The Blues are languishing in 11th spot with a 6-9 record, reeling from last week’s horror loss to Port Adelaide and with looming clashes against Collingwood and Brisbane.
While club president Rob Priestley has publicly backed under-fire coach Michael Voss to see out the season, speculation around the playing group has only intensified, with even the skipper’s future floated in trade chatter.
MORE: Carlton refuse to confirm coach Michael Voss' future
Former premiership star Jordan Lewis this week suggested Cripps and star forward Charlie Curnow could be used as trade chips, a claim that’s added to the external noise Cripps is now trying to drown out.
“Like for the moment, for us, it’s really loud on the outside, so (it’s about) how you can keep eyes in and really control and live the standards but also create the energy,” Cripps said On The Inside.
'You find out a lot about yourself in these times'
Having already seen two coaches sacked during his time at the Blues, Cripps said leadership and unity were more crucial now than ever.
MORE: Another West Coast premiership hero set to retire
“You find out a lot about yourself, I reckon, (in) these times, not only as a player but as a leader, but also (about) guys around you, the ones that really want to step up and dig in versus, like I said before, the ones that want to step away,” he said.
“But I feel like we’ve got the right group of people at the club to really band together and stick together.”
Carlton face fierce rivals Collingwood this Friday night in a clash that could well define their season.