East Fremantle forward Josh Cripps, brother of Carlton co-captain Patrick, is set to training at Ikon Park in hope of gaining a spot on the Blues' AFL list for 2022.

Cripps was among the several best prospects to miss out on a selection in last week's National and Rookie Drafts, having rapidly emerged as a formidable key-forward/ruck option out of Western Australia.

A stunning growth spurt has seen Cripps surpass the stance of his older brother, now standing at 199cm tall to firm as a key-position prospect.

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After returning from an ACL injury sustained last year, the 19-year-old was able to impress recruiters in his 12-game span with the Sharks in 2021, averaging 15.7 disposals and 4.2 marks per game to go with 16 goals for the year.

Despite a missed chance at the draft, that campaign has still warranted an opening for Cripps to join the top flight, with the Blues edging out two Melbourne-based clubs to add the teenager on a train and trial basis this pre-season, according toย The Herald Sun.ย 

Cripps is now set to link up with the Blues and their five recruits of this off-season, with fellow WA product Jesse Motlop being Carlton's only acquisition through the National Draft.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 02: Jesse Motlop of the Bulldogs in action during the 2021 WAFL Grand Final match between the Subiaco Lions and South Fremantle Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on October 02, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

The Blues confirmed on Friday that Academy graduate Domanic Akuei had officially joined the ranks at Princes Park after not being selected through the Rookie Draft, with the intercept defender joining as a Category B Rookie for 2022.

Fremantle midfielder Adam Cerra, Bulldogs backman Lewis Young and hard-nosed Swan George Hewett also joined Carlton via the exchange period this off-season.