show me:

Eagles ponder plan to stop AFL star Cripps

3 minute read

West Coast are expected to send a heavy tag to Carlton star Patrick Cripps in Sunday's AFL clash at Marvel Stadium.

DAVID TEAGUE the assistant coach of the Crows talks to his players during the AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Adelaide Crows at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

What to do with Patrick Cripps?

That's been the big question on the lips of West Coast's coaching staff this week as the team prepares to take on Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

Carlton have become one of the form teams of the competition since David Teague took over as caretaker coach.

The Blues have won five of the seven games under Teague and will carry a wave of confidence into the clash with the defending premiers this weekend.

Carlton's victory hopes will largely rest on Cripps, who tallied an astounding 19 clearances from 39 disposals in last week's 27-point win over Adelaide.

Cripps also racked up seven tackles and a goal in that match.

West Coast coach Adam Simpson has regularly employed Elliot Yeo against Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe and he'll consider sending the big-bodied midfielder to Cripps this weekend.

Another option would be tagger Mark Hutchings, who is a chance to return from a hamstring injury.

Star Eagles superstar Luke Shuey was amazed about Cripps' clearance clinic on the weekend.

"He's a remarkable player and what he's been able to do this year is amazing," Shuey said.

"To watch him play is good but hopefully we can nullify him a bit more than (the Crows last week).

"We've got a few big bodies that might match up with him. We might tag. We'll have to see.

"You've got to put some sort of focus into him. You can't just let him walk around on his own."

Shuey was full of praise for teammate Josh Kennedy, who booted seven goals in last week's 49-point demolition of North Melbourne.

He said ruckman Tom Hickey also deserved special mention.

Hickey has held his own against Max Gawn and Todd Goldstein over the past fortnight and faces another big challenge against Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer.

"He's had a big month up against some real big giants of the game," Shuey said.

"He's either held his own or found a way to get on top, which has been good. He's a good player."