Mainy link lives on through Cripps

FRESH START: Jamie Cripps (right) has enjoyed a new beginning at West Coast after crossing from St Kilda. Picture: Darrian Traynor Source: Getty Images

WEST Coast recruit Jamie Cripps is proud to be following in the footsteps of his late cousin Chris Mainwaring at the Eagles.

Mainwaring was a star at West Coast during his 201-game career, with the wingman playing key roles in the club's AFL premiership campaigns of 1992 and '94.

His death in 2007 at the age of 41 caused an outpouring of emotion among football fans.

Cripps, who grew up in Northampton, only saw Mainwaring about once a year due to the 500km distance between the pair.

But he said Mainwaring's on-field feats played an inspirational role in his own development.

"I always wanted to follow in his footsteps and play AFL. I just wanted to be like him and play footy like him," said Cripps, who switched from St Kilda to West Coast at the end of last season.

"It's an awesome feeling to be able to play where he's played. Just keeping it in the family, which is good."

Cripps, who has type 1 diabetes, notched 16 games over two seasons at the Saints, but said his desire to be closer to family in Western Australia prompted his move to the Eagles.

West Coast gave up pick No.40 to get him, and the 20-year-old has kicked four goals in his three games this season.

But with the likes of Andrew Embley, Sharrod Wellingham, Matt Rosa, Beau Waters and Nic Naitanui set to return over the next month, Cripps knows he'll have to lift his form if he is to keep his spot in the side.

West Coast will be aiming to make it two wins on the trot when they take on Carlton at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night.

The Blues (0-3) are desperate to taste their first win under new coach Mick Malthouse, but will enter the match without injured ruckman Matthew Kreuzer (thumb).
 

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Mainy link lives on through Cripps