Carlton CEO Cain Liddle hopes the Blues can announce a new contract for co-captain Patrick Cripps in the “next few weeks”.
A five-year deal worth close to a $1 million a season is the reported offer for Cripps with Liddle in no doubt their star man will stay at Ikon Park.
“I don’t think that’s going to be an issue,” Liddle told 3AW.
“We’re working through things with his management and hopefully we’ll have something for you in the next few weeks.”
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Three-time All-Australian Nick Dal Santo says Cripps has “earned the right” to be one of the highest paid players in the AFL.
The Western Australian is eligible for free agency but looks set to renew his Blues deal.
“I’d give him a cheque book and say, ‘How long do you want to play here for? And what sort of money do you need to stay?’” Dal Santo told SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“I think he's that significant and I think he's that good a player that he’s earned the right to be one of the highest paid players in the competition.
“And it’s more than that - it’s the presence, it’s the impact, it’s what he does for others.
“I’d be matching it (rival offers) with every cent that they’ve got – because imagine that team without him?
“If Cripps isn’t there, then all of a sudden Sam Walsh is getting all of the attention.”
Cripps, 26, had 34 disposals, 10 score involvements and two goals in a return to form in Carlton’s win over Fremantle.
