West Coast Eagles premiership forward Jamie Cripps has today called time on his stellar career after 16 seasons at the elite level.
Cripps informed his teammates on Tuesday afternoon that he had played his last match, with the 34-year-old currently sidelined by a knee injury.
Drafted by St Kilda with pick 24 in 2010, Cripps requested a trade after two seasons and became a key member of the Eagles’ successful 2010s era.
He hangs up the boots after kicking 323 goals in blue and gold (sixth-most in Club history), playing 261 games (10th) and as the Eagles’ all-time leader for goal assists (188).
The Northampton product has also laid the third-most tackles (1004) in West Coast history.
“I would like to just thank the Club, it’s been an awesome 14 years and a privilege to play for a great Club like West Coast,” Cripps said.
“To play so long and play with some amazing players along the way as well, it’s just been such a fun ride.
“My family make me tick and they’re who I do it for, so to have their support over the years has been massive.
“Now I’m ready for my knee to start feeling better so I can run around with the kids and see what their journey might be, which I’m looking forward to.”
Often underrated externally, Cripps was a relentless worker and classy finisher who set a high bar for defensive pressure throughout his career.
He delivered standout seasons as the Eagles played off in the 2015 Grand Final (34 goals, 5.5 tackles per game) and won an epic decider in 2018 (career-high 38 goals, four tackles).
Cripps’ critical third-quarter goal helped shift momentum in the victory over Collingwood as West Coast came from behind to clinch the Club’s fourth flag.
“My role was to work as hard as I could up the ground and back, put as much pressure on as I could in the forward line,” Cripps said.
“As much hard work as I could do for the team, that’s what I was there for, and every now and then would kick a couple of snags.
“The best part has been going into the Club every day and doing it with 40 of your good mates, putting in the hard work, getting to the weekends and playing games.
“They were the highlights for me, and the obvious one is ’18.”
Cripps became a Life Member in 2020 and won the Eagles’ goalkicking award for the first time last season, after playing most of his career in an attack featuring premiership teammates Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Mark LeCras.
“The legacy Jamie leaves is one of work ethic, selflessness and belonging – our Club is stronger because of the way he went about it every single day,” General Manager Football Gavin Bell said.
“He gave everything to his craft, consistently putting the team first and challenging those around him to do the same.
“Off the field, he is humble and deeply respected. On game day, he competed with a fierce edge and total commitment to the role.
“We are incredibly grateful for what Jamie has given to this Club and the example he has set for others to follow. He should be immensely proud of the career he’s built.
“Jamie, Liv, Reif, Lance and Hazel will always be part of our Club – that connection doesn’t end here.
“We wish them every success in the next chapter.”
Jamie Cripps career highlights
- Drafted from East Fremantle with pick 24 in 2010
- AFL debut - round six, 2011 v Adelaide
- 16 games, 16 goals for St Kilda
- West Coast Eagles debut – round one, 2013 v Fremantle
- Premiership player 2018, 4th place in John Worsfold Medal
- West Coast Eagles Life Member 2020
- Leading goalkicker 2025
- 10th most games for West Coast Eagles
- 6th most goals for West Coast Eagles
- 3rd most tackles for West Coast Eagles
- 8 x top 10 finish in the John Worsfold Medal
