Just as his mentor Chris Judd did back in 2002, Patrick Cripps has finished runner up in the NAB AFL Rising Star Award. The 20-year-old midfielder finished second in the votes behind Demons forward Jesse Hogan.

Going into the ceremony Cripps and Hogan were the names on everyone’s lips: two immensely talented young players who'd had two terrific seasons.

Ahead of the ceremony, Cripps enjoyed morning tea with his family and the other nominees. Parents Cath and Brad made the journey over from Northampton in Western Australia and were glowing with pride at what their "Paddy" had already achieved.

“He came home at the end of last year and was not prepared to eat anything bad, was exercising all the time – it’s a credit to him and shows that the hard work he put in has paid off,” his mum Cath said.

“I just can’t believe it really, to think at the start of the year we would be here doing this … you’d never dream of it,” father Brad said.

“But he’s been fantastic; his work ethic and his dedication has been amazing and all credit goes to Paddy.”

As the ceremony unfolded, retired Carlton champion Chris Judd gave a keynote address. Judd told the rising star nominees that “thoughts without action don’t lead to change,” and the most important thing they can do is learn to “know the difference between being a good footballer and being a good person.”

An interview on stage with Cripps and his parents followed, ahead of the big reveal. There was a collective intake of breath as the top five nominees were announced: in fifth place Demon Angus Brayshaw, then Swan Isaac Heeney with Eagle Dom Sheed finishing third.

The defining moment came as AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan announced the runner up: Patrick Cripps. It left no doubt that Hogan would be named the winner.

After speeches and a round of applause, Cripps was quickly out of his chair and crossing the room at Crown Palladium to shake the hand of his “fellow WA boy.”

The Carlton young gun later reflected on his own 2015 journey.

VIDEO: Cripps' brilliant 2015 season

“Firstly I’d just like to acknowledge Jesse – he’s had a great year. Coming in today I honestly thought he would get the nod so congratulations to him,” Cripps said.

“On a personal note, I’ve been happy with the year I had. Hopefully over the off-season a lot of us young guys can improve and hit 2016 pre-season going upwards.”

Onwards and upwards Patrick Cripps – as Carlton’s Head of Football Andrew McKay summed it up:

“We’re really, really, proud of how Pat went this year and looking forward to bigger and better things in the future from him.”