Re: Next Captain
Reply #66 –
Another reason he'd be a step up on Murphy as captain.
Its a psychological advantage as much as a physical one.
Nobody looks across (and down) at Murphy and starts pooing their dacks. However, someone looking across (and up) at Cripps would be second guessing their life choices, even if for a fleeting moment.
The captain is a symbol. It is a window into the club, and team. It should be a representative of the team and how they play.
Selwood @ Geelong. Tough, uncompromising.
Ablett @ Gold Coast. Classy, but bruise free.
Kelly @ Swans. Honest battler, never say die attitude.
Voss @ Brisbane. Arrogant, classy, tough as nails.
Trengove/Grimes @ Melbourne. Young, inexperienced, pushover.
Jones/Viney @ Melbourne. Workmanlike, hardened, blue collar.
Maxwell @ Collingwood. Uncompromising, does their role.
Carey @ North. Consistent performer, loose off-field.
Murphy @ Carlton. Bruise free, needs ideal conditions to flourish.
Cripps @ Carlton? You've got a fight on your hands.
And that's where your analysis falls down. Captaining a football club is a lot more complex than what supporters see from the stands.
The other Murphy is a prime example. Even though he missed the season through injury, Bob Murphy was a huge factor in the Doggies' premiership. To me, Bob Murphy is closer to Glenn Manton, or perhaps Tommy Alvin, than any other players we've had in the recent past.
What makes me think that Cripps will be our captain, in due course, is the role he has played in helping Zac Fisher to develop his ability to play in the midfield. That to me is far more important than the physicality that Cripps is able to bring to bear on match day.