Liam Pickering believes Patrick Cripps has lost A-grade status in the competition based on his performance over the last two seasons.
Cripps, who won the AFLPA MVP in 2019, has averaged five fewer disposals, three fewer clearances and two fewer tackles in 2021 when compared to his starring year.
Pickering, who is Carlton coach David Teague’s manager, wonders whether we have seen the best of the co-captain.
“That’s to be questioned at the moment (whether Cripps is an A grader). I don’t think he is, personally,” Pickering told The Oval Office.
“Not the way he has played the last two years, I think he’s been pretty ordinary. His last 18 months has been ordinary.
“This was his game on the weekend, 17 disposals, no kicks, -3 metres gained … geez he has a lot of injuries. He has a lot of excuses for injuries.
“Look, he’s just had a poor year. Looking back at 2019 when he was playing top line football, he’s had a drop off.
“Is it injury (related)? It probably is, maybe.
“It’s been a long time since he has delivered in a consistent manner both ways in a game of football and actually puts defensive pressure on, chases and tackles.”
Cripps was substituted out of Carlton’s Round 23 loss to GWS with a foot injury, after missing with quad soreness the week before.