Carlton’s Patrick Cripps on ‘crazy week’ involving birth of child and controversial win against Fremantle

Northampton superstar Patrick Cripps has just had one of the biggest weeks of his life, welcoming his first child and being front and centre in Carlton’s controversial win over Fremantle. Last week, Cripps and his wife Monique announced the arrival of their daughter, Koda Sophie Cripps. Just days later, Cripps was off to Adelaide to lead the Blues against the Dockers in the Gather Round clash, which they won by 10-points in dramatic fashion. The umpires missed a touched kick that ended in a mark and goal for the Blues in the dying minutes, and then a controversial dissent free kick was paid against Fremantle’s Jordan Clark in front of Carlton’s goal, putting the result beyond doubt. After the match, Cripps told Fox Footy he was not 100 per cent sure what had happened, but that the bonus goal “it made our job easier in the middle”. He said Carlton was finding a way to win this year, after experiencing heartbreak in past seasons. Carlton is now undefeated 4-0, a result they have not achieved since their 1995 premiership. Cripps 20-disposal game was down on his usual high standards, but he was crucial in the final quarter as Carlton fought back. His one goal was accompanied by a rocking the baby celebration, paying tribute to little Koda’s arrival. Cripps said he could not wait to get back to his wife and newborn baby after the comeback win and a “crazy week”. The new dad proudly boasted he had already become a master of the swaddle. “As you all know with kids, until you have that moment with your wife it’s unbelievable. I was a bit nervous, I thought it was going to come next week. To Mon’s credit, she played her role very nicely and had her this week so I was lucky enough to spend a couple of days with her and little Koda,” the Brownlow medallist told Fox Footy. “I know what everyone says when it changes your life and it just gives you such a perspective on it.”