CRIPPS BRO MAY GET LIFELINE

CARLTON captain Patrick Cripps’ younger brother will require a special exemption from the AFL to qualify for this year’s national draft.

Josh Cripps ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee while playing school football last month, ruling him out for the season.

Without a WAFL Colts game under his belt, Cripps would be ineligible to nominate for the 2020 draft. But the AFL is certain to tick off on an exemption if Cripps wants one due to injury.

The rules are in place to prevent clubs hiding players, rather than to snooker an injured prospect.

While the Blues secured Patrick Cripps with pick No. 13 in 2013 as a huge midfielder who would quickly dominate the AFL, Josh was viewed as a late draft or rookie prospect before his knee injury.

The 197cm marking forward was not on the AFL radar at under-16 level and was only invited to WAFL club East Fremantle this year.

With limited data available, AFL clubs are unsure whether he will get selected this year.

Recruiters had hoped to see more to make an assessment.

But if Josh is overlooked, clubs are certain to keep tracking his development in years to come, given his upside and rich bloodlines.