“He’s someone I idolise”: How Cripps has influenced top draft prospect Josh Smillie

Top draft prospect Josh Smillie has wowed talent scouters this season.

The Eastern Ranges midfielder averaged 25.5 disposals in 12 Coates Talent League games while kicking 16 goals in a strong representative season.

While 2024 had some highs, Smillie admitted his campaign had some downs, which is when the 195cm midfielder looked to his role model.

Who better to model your game off than a dual Brownlow medallist and four-time All-Australian?

“My role model is Patrick Cripps. Being that height, I wish I could be half the player he is today,” Josh Smillie said on AFL Trade Radio.

“He’s someone I idolise. I was actually able to catch up with him and learn a lot.

“I got the opportunity to sit with him and ask him questions. It was such a good conversation.

“I’ve got a sheet of paper from the conversation in my room that I still look at every day and reflect on."

Upon his reflections, Smillie also learned the importance of attitude and maturity, which he admittedly worked on to live out his childhood dream.

“My perspective on football was a lot more individual at the start of the year, and as the year went on, I learnt a lot about the team and about myself in a way," Smillie said.

“I think the middle of the year I was going through some challenges, so I stuck to those closest to me.

“I wrote down what I can control and what I can't control. For example, I can’t control the draft order or the weather on game day, but I can control my leadership.

“There are pressures, but I think I have dealt with them pretty well.

“This has been my dream ever since I was a little kid. As long as I am playing football, it doesn’t matter.”

The 2024 AFL National Draft will begin on 20 November 2024.