What Patrick Cripps said to Jagga Smith after ACL blow

Carlton captain Patrick Cripps has lifted the lid on what he told gun recruit Jagga Smith after he sustained a season-ending ACL injury.

The teenager limped off IKON Park in Saturday’s match simulation against St Kilda, with scans on Sunday confirming the extent of the blow.

Speaking to 3AW Football, Cripps urged Smith to draw on the experience of several of his teammates, who have recovered from ACL injuries in recent years.

Click PLAY to hear Patrick Cripps’ FULL interview with 3AW

“I felt for us as a group because he’s a bloody good player,” he said.

“It’s just tough for him – (I told him) not to suppress what you’re feeling and absorb the news.”