Carlton Star Patrick Cripps Encounters Heartwarming Family Legacy During School Visit
Dual Brownlow medallist and Carlton captain Patrick Cripps made a memorable return to his alma mater, Aquinas College, last week for a special signing and meet-and-greet event. The visit took an unexpected turn when he connected with a young student who shares a deep, generational bond with the Carlton Football Club.
A Surprising Link to Carlton's Founding Era
Seven-year-old Roland Moore, currently enrolled in year two at Aquinas College, attended the event on February 13. This was the same school where Cripps boarded and graduated back in 2012, but their connection goes far beyond just being alumni. Moore comes from what can be described as Carlton royalty, with his four times great grandfather, Orlando 'Lanty' O'Brien, being a founding member of the football club.
O'Brien represented Carlton in its first known recorded match against Melbourne Grammar in 1865, a pivotal moment in the club's early history. He also played on the team that secured the club's first trophy, the South Yarra Presentation Challenge Cup, in 1871, solidifying his status as a Carlton legend.
A Historic Photograph Bridges Past and Present
Armed with a photograph of the old team, young Roland approached Cripps during the signing session. The photo, taken in Royal Park in 1874, features O'Brien alongside the Carlton team, serving as a tangible piece of the club's rich heritage as the fourth oldest AFL club. Moore, a diehard Blues fan, was thrilled to share this 160-year family connection with the current captain.
Aquinas College captured this poignant moment and shared it on Instagram, highlighting the full-circle nature of the encounter. In their post, they noted, "The signing session revealed an incredible full-circle moment. Year 2 student Roland brought in an 1874 Carlton Football Club team photograph featuring his great-great-great-great grandfather – a founding member of Patrick's club."
Recognition of a Lasting Legacy
In 2024, O'Brien was posthumously inducted into the Carlton Hall of Fame, with Moore and his mother attending the ceremony to accept the honor on his behalf. This recognition underscores the enduring impact of O'Brien's contributions to the club and how his legacy continues to resonate through generations.
The visit occurred just before Cripps captained the WA all-stars in a highly anticipated state of origin match at Optus Stadium, adding to the significance of the timing. This heartwarming story not only celebrates Carlton's history but also highlights the powerful connections that sports can foster across time and families.
