The Eagles have won just 11 out of 89 games since the start of 2022 and are guaranteed to take home the wooden spoon this year given their 1-20 record.
It's a far cry from the dizzying highs of 2018 when Cripps helped West Coast defeat Collingwood by five points in an epic AFL grand final.
From that premiership team, only Cripps, Elliot Yeo, Tom Cole, Liam Duggan and Liam Ryan remain.
If the Eagles fail to upset the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Sunday or Sydney at home next week, it will mark the club's first one-win season.
Four years of losing has taken a toll on the group, but last week's fighting nine-point defeat to ladder leaders Adelaide was another glimmer of hope that the worst is well and truly behind West Coast.
Even so, losing is not fun.
"It's been shithouse really," Cripps said when summing up the past few years.
"It's probably been a longer downhill than we thought we would get.
"But yeah, just getting signs like against Adelaide brings a lot of hope and a lot of trust in what Mini (Andrew McQualter) has brought to the table.
"That footy will stand up in big games, so it's exciting."
Cripps, a veteran of 270 games, is set to be handed a one-year contract extension in the coming weeks.
The 33-year-old is realistic in knowing he won't be there for the next flag, but he wants to play a role in helping mould the fledgling squad.
"I most likely won't be here for the next premiership, but I really enjoy helping these younger boys out whenever I can," Cripps said.
"If they're not having a great game, I'm there to provide them with a bit of comfort and get around them."
Some of the club's most exciting prospects are still in their infancy.
Harley Reid and Reuben Ginbey are 20, Jobe Shanahan, Archer Reid and Bo Allan are 19, Elijah Hewett and Jack Williams are 21, Brady Hough is 22,
West Coast are likely to have the first two picks at this year's national draft, which will bring even more elite talent on to the list.
McQualter believes West Coast have made some important progress this year, despite it not showing in the wins column.
"I'm actually really bullish on particularly our young group. I think we've got a core of what will be here for a long period of time and drive us towards success in the future," McQualter said.
So how does Cripps fit into such a young group?
"They're probably closer to my kids' age than I am to their age," Cripps said with a laugh.
"It's exciting. They're a funny bunch of boys. Half the time I know what they're talking about, but they're rippers, and I love my footy, and I love this club."
