Big future in Blues for Cripps, Docherty

CARLTON has earmarked Patrick Cripps and Sam Docherty as potential club captains, with the pair to serve as vice-captains this year under skipper Marc Murphy.

The Blues announced yesterday that Murphy had been elected to lead the team for a sixth straight season.

In addition to Cripps and Docherty, Murphy will be supported by Matthew Kreuzer, Kade Simpson, Lachie Plowman, Alex Silvagni and Ed Curnow in an eight-player group.

Simpson, the sole vicecaptain last year, has stepped down to allow Cripps and Docherty, both seen as potential club captains, to gain experience in the role.

“Simmo has been a great vice-captain to me over the years and he’s still going to be a great leader,” Murphy said.

“He just feels that Sam and Cripper have really taken some big leaps forward and are certainly ready to be vicecaptains. They’re definitely going to be the future of our footy club for the next 10 years, so it’s good to give them an opportunity.”

Docherty will miss the season as he recovers from a knee reconstruction after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament in November. Cripps had his 2017 campaign cut short when he suffered a broken leg in Round 15.

Bryce Gibbs, now with Adelaide, and Dennis Armfield, retired, were part of a seven-man leadership group last season.

Kreuzer, Plowman and Silvagni have been elected to the group for the first time. Murphy, who took over the role from Chris Judd, has played 236 games for the Blues after being the No.1 pick at the 2005 national draft.

“Marc has been superb for us and it is a credit to him that he will continue in the role for a sixth season,” coach Brendon Bolton said.

“Not only is he coming off the back of arguably a careerbest season, he is totally invested in our players and what we’re trying to achieve as a group.”