The Premier League striker is hanging up his boots after 14 seasons in blue and gold.
TO www.westcoasteagles.com.au
West Coast Eagles premiership forward Jamie Cripps today ended his stellar career after 16 seasons at elite level.
Cripps told his teammates on Tuesday afternoon that he had played his last match, with the 34-year-old currently sidelined with a knee injury.
Selected 24th overall by St Kilda in 2010, Cripps requested a trade after two seasons and became a key player in the Eagles’ successful 2010s era.
He hangs up his boots after scoring 323 goals for the blue and gold team (sixth in the club’s history), playing 261 games (10th) and the Eagles’ all-time leader in assists (188).
The Northampton product also has the third-most tackles (1,004) in West Coast history.
“I’d just like to thank the club, it’s been an amazing 14 years and a great honor to play for a great club like West Coast,” Cripps said.
“Playing for so long and playing with great players along the way was a lot of fun.
“My family inspires me and I do this for them, so their support over the years has been huge.
“Now I’m ready for my knee to feel better and to be able to run around with the kids and see what their journey can be like and I’m looking forward to it.”
Often underrated on the outside, Cripps was a tireless worker and classy striker who set the bar high for defensive pressure throughout his career.
He had outstanding seasons as the Eagles reached 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’ decisive goal in the third quarter helped change the course of the win over Collingwood as West Coast came from behind to capture the club’s fourth flag.
“My role was to work as hard as I could on the ground and back, put as much pressure on the front line as possible,” Cripps said.
“I could do as much hard work as possible for the team, that’s what I was there for, and every now and then I had to clear a couple of obstacles.
“The best thing is going to the club every day and doing it with 40 of your good friends, working hard, going on weekends and playing games.
“For me, they were the highlights, and the 18th one was the most obvious.”
Cripps became a life member of the squad in 2020 and won the Eagles’ goalkeeping performance award for the first time last season, having spent the majority of his career in a forward line featuring premiership teammates Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Mark LeCras.
“The legacy Jamie leaves is one of work ethic, dedication and a sense of belonging. Our club is stronger because of the way he has performed every single day,” said General Manager of Football Gavin Bell.
“He gave everything to his craft, constantly putting the team first and encouraging those around him to do the same.
“Off the field he is humble and deeply respected. On game day he fought with a fierce edge and complete dedication to his role.
“We are incredibly grateful for what Jamie has given to this club and the example he has set for others. He should be immensely proud of the career he has built.”
“Jamie, Liv, Rafe, Lance and Hazel will always be part of our Club – that connection doesn’t end there.
“We wish them every success in their next chapter.”
Jamie Cripps career highlights
- Drafted 24th overall from East Fremantle in 2010.
- AFL debut – round six, 2011 v Adelaide
- 16 games, 16 goals for St Kilda
- West Coast Eagles debut – Round 1, 2013 – v Fremantle
- Premier League Player of the Year 2018, 4th place in the John Worsfold Medal
- 2020 West Coast Eagles Life Member
- The best goalkeeper of 2025.
- 10th most games for West Coast Eagles
- 6th most goals for West Coast Eagles
- 3district West Coast Eagles have most tackles
- 8 top 10 finishes in the John Worsfold Medal