West Coast coach Andrew McQualter has revealed the club is fearing the worst for veteran Jamie Cripps after he suffered a knee injury in the WAFL on Saturday. The 34-year-old forward went down in the final quarter of the Eagles' loss to South Fremantle, twisting his left knee and immediately signalling for assistance. He was carried off the ground and left the venue on crutches, with scans scheduled to determine the severity of the injury.
McQualter said the early signs were not good, describing the incident as 'really sad and disappointing'. He confirmed the club is concerned about a potential long-term knee injury, though he declined to speculate on whether it could end Cripps' career. 'It's too soon to speculate. I don't think it's fair to Crippa to even bring that up in the conversation at the moment,' McQualter said.
Cripps had already been under pressure this season, having signed a one-year deal in 2024. He was dropped after the round six western derby defeat, having kicked only four goals in five AFL games. His return to the WAFL was his first since 2014, and he had managed just one goal in two matches before the injury.
The injury adds to West Coast's growing list of season-ending casualties, including Noah Long (knee), Deven Robertson (ACL), and Jacob Newton (foot). Premiership teammate Tom Cole expressed the team's concern, saying, 'Prayers up for Crippa. A club legend.'
Cripps, a 2018 premiership player, has played 277 games and kicked 339 goals. He is West Coast's all-time leader in goal assists (188), third for tackles (1004), and sixth for goals (323). Earlier this year, he expressed hope of playing into a 17th season and earning a contract for 2027.
