“THERE’S nothing I love more than beating the Pies.”

Patrick Cripps summed it up pretty well on Monday morning.

Thursday night’s Peter Mac Cup will be the 19th time that the Carlton captain has come up against the old enemy, and it’s clear how much a win would mean to him and his playing group.

Lining up alongside long-time mate Darcy Cameron from Collingwood, Cripps said it was no secret that a fierce battle was in store this week.

After consecutive losses for both sides in the last fortnight, there’s a little bit extra riding on Thursday night’s game… not that either side needs any further motivation.

When asked about the Pies’ record over the Blues since 2017, Cripps was very quick in his response: “I’m well aware of that, don’t worry about that.”

“It’s something I’m well aware of and it’s what makes the rivalry special. It doesn’t matter where you are on the ladder, the game is usually pretty close,” Cripps said.

“That’s definitely one of my motivations going into this week… you love winning every game, but there’s a little more when you beat your rival.

“There’s nothing I love more than beating the Pies.”

A victory on Thursday night would see the Blues reclaim the Peter Mac Cup, which they’ve only held twice in the last nine years with wins in 2021 (which Cripps didn’t play) and 2023.

Another capacity crowd is in store, and with the week officially launched at the Peter Mac Breakfast at the MCG on Monday morning, the energy was palpable for a key game between these two great rivals.

“For it to be the first game of the round and the Peter Mac Cup, it’s a great cause. The way we’re massive rivals but we bring two rivals together to support a good cause… we’re looking forward to it.

“Every game is big when we play them. It’ll be a fierce contest… that’s why you love playing your rivals.

“It’s an important game, but every game is important for us.”