FOR THE third time this season, Carlton captain Patrick Cripps has received a perfect 10 AFLCA votes for his 32-disposal performance against Fremantle.
The unanimous pick as the best on ground by the coaches despite the Blues’ defeat, the skipper’s hard work and determination was duly recognised by Justin Longmuir and Michael Voss. The votes were otherwise dominated by the opposition, with six Dockers polling.
As well as once again totalling over 30 disposals, Cripps managed eight clearances, 19 contested possessions (both game highs), seven score involvements and three consecutive goals.
When the Blues needed a lift, Cripps bullied his way through the midfield as well as hitting the scoreboard when it mattered, taking his tally to 10 goals for the season from five games.
It wasn’t the result that Carlton was aiming for, falling to Fremantle by 35 points, but Cripps’ effort couldn’t be faulted as he attempted to will his team back into the game.
Cripps now sits second on the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year leaderboard (35), trailing by two votes behind Fremantle midfielder Andrew Brayshaw (37), who received eight votes for his game against the Blues.
Cripps sits four votes clear of Sydney’s Callum Mills in third place (31).
Round 6 votes
10 - Patrick Cripps (CARL)
8 - Andrew Brayshaw (FRE)
6 - Lachie Schultz (FRE)
2 - Rory Lobb (FRE)
2- Brennan Cox (FRE)
1 - Sam Switkowski (FRE)
1 - Luke Ryan (FRE)
