Jamie Cripps after the R2 match between West Coast and North Melbourne at Optus Stadium on March 22, 2026. Photo: AFL Photos
West Coast Premiership forward Jamie Cripps has announced his retirement with immediate effect after suffering a serious knee injury in the WAFL last month, ending his 277-game career.
Cripps, who was a key player in the Eagles’ premiership team in 2018, told teammates on Tuesday afternoon that he had played his last game after 16 seasons at elite level, leaving the club as one of the most dedicated and respected forwards in the club’s history.
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The 34-year-old was a tireless runner who filled a valuable half-forward role throughout the club’s successful era under Adam Simpson, with coaches and teammates often highlighting his hard-working, laid-back approach to the game.
Cripps, who is 10th on the club’s all-time caps list and has scored the sixth-most goals in West Coast history (339), said he was ready to let his knee recover after suffering a significant sprain and damage to his MCL in his last WAFL match earlier this season.
“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 on Tuesday.
“Playing for so long and playing with great players along the way, it 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.”
Cripps was recruited by St Kilda with pick 24 in the 2010 draft, played 16 games for the Saints and was even named alongside current West Coast coach Andrew McQualter.
Jamie Cripps after his first goal during the R6 match between St Kilda and Adelaide in 2011. Photo: AFL Photos
However, the Northampton product returned to Washington at age 20 when the Eagles pulled off a trade coup, sending picks 41 and 44 to the Saints in exchange for Cripps and pick 46.
The tenacious No.15 cemented his legacy with the Eagles with a career-best season in 2018, finishing fourth in the John Worsfold Medal during the premiership campaign and kicking a career-best 38 goals.
It was his ability to exert tackling pressure in the 50s and tirelessly run up and down the court that made him one of the Eagles’ most respected players internally and an automatic inclusion in the lineup during Simpson’s tenure.
“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.
“As much hard work as I could do 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.”
Jamie Cripps celebrates the grand final between West Coast and Collingwood at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 29, 2018. Photo: AFL Photos
Cripps’ departure means that only three players from the 2018 premiership team remain on the West Coast – Elliot Yeo, Liam Duggan and Tom Cole – with Liam Ryan, Jack Darling and Tom Barruss now playing at other clubs.
He is the eighth Premier League player to retire since 2022, having finished in the top 10 best and fairest eight times, including 10th place in 2025, when he led the Eagles in scoring.
His longevity and all-around play are highlighted by the fact that he ranks third all-time in West Coast history in tackles (1,042) and first in assists (194).
“The legacy Jamie leaves is one of work ethic, dedication and belonging. Our club is stronger because of the way he performed every single day,” said General Manager of Football Gavin Bell.
“He gave his all to his craft, constantly putting the team first and encouraging those around him to do the same.
“Off the field he is humble and highly 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 – their connection doesn’t end there.
“We wish them every success in their next chapter.”