Carlton co-captain Patrick Cripps hopes taking a salary cut can inspire the Blues’ emerging generation of talent to put team success first.
The 26-year-old last week inked a contract extension to remain at Royal Parade for a further six seasons.
“The main thing I said to the club when we first started chatting was I wanted to do what was best for the club,” Cripps told SEN’s Gilly and Goss on Friday morning.
“In the position we’re in, we get looked after pretty well anyway, so we can’t complain with the money we get paid.
“At the end of your career you want to win premierships and have team success, and that’s what it’s all about.”
The pre-eminent extractor in the game over the past handful of seasons, Cripps’ clearance and contested possession numbers have fallen away of late.
An inspiring figure in full flight, Cripps has appeared hampered, with reports he spent the early rounds receiving injections for a serious back injury.
With three best and fairest awards, two All-Australian blazers and a Most Valuable Player award on his mantle, he could still have filled out his own cheque.
Cripps says he would rather share the spoils, however.
“I feel like we have a list with a lot of young talent, and they’re only going to grow. As they grow they’re going to demand more money,” Cripps explained.
“As captain, if I can set a precedent to the boys that ‘let’s stick together, let’s take a little bit less,’ hopefully that flows on to team success.
“That’s what it’s all about.”
Cripps said he considered a return home to Western Australia, having grown up in farming town Northampton north-west of Perth.
“It’s always something you weigh up,” he conceded.
“When you’re away from friends and family for a long time it’s always a decision to make, (but) I’m pretty lucky. I’ve got a family that is really supportive, and they get over a fair bit.
“Deep down I always knew I was going to stay, and I know I definitely made the right decision.
“It’s always good to get back in the off-season and catch up with everyone, but I feel like to leave would have left a lot of unfinished business at the club.”
With a sliver of hope restored by last Sunday’s win over the Crows, Cripps and Carlton will confront fellow finals aspirants Fremantle at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from 7:40pm on Saturday night.