Patrick Cripps Clinches Second Brownlow Medal with Record-Breaking Performance

Patrick Cripps, the formidable captain of the Carlton Football Club, has clinched his second Brownlow Medal, securing a record-breaking 45 votes in the 2024 season. This achievement places him firmly ahead of contender Nick Daicos, who finished with 38 votes.

The Brownlow Medal, a prestigious accolade awarded to the fairest and best player in the Australian Football League (AFL), was presented in a ceremonious, albeit lengthy, broadcast on Monday night. The event, characterized by its traditional flair, saw moments of unexpected candor when former player Angus Brayshaw took the stage, offering a heartfelt toast despite not bearing a medal. “The absence of football has left a very deep void,” Brayshaw remarked, emphasizing the emotional challenges athletes face post-retirement.

Cripps’ dominance throughout the season was noteworthy. Having previously faced suspension, which was overturned upon review due to the efforts of Carlton’s tribunal lawyer Christopher Townshend KC, Cripps demonstrated resilience by improving his performance and finishing seven votes ahead of Daicos. This season, he amassed 45 votes from 17 games, surpassing records previously set by renowned players such as Dustin Martin and Ollie Wines.

Throughout the 2024 season, Cripps displayed significant progression in his gameplay, focusing on enhancing his strategic approach and physical endurance. “I had to go to work on my game at the end of last year,” Cripps stated, underscoring his commitment to improvement after being shut out by the opposition in prior matches.

The 29-year-old Western Australian native, hailing from Northampton, showcased his prowess on the field by excelling in clearances and contested ball wins, traits for which he led the AFL. He adapted his strategy, emphasizing dynamic play and effective ball use. His collaboration with teammates such as Sam Walsh and George Hewett facilitated a shift towards a more outside game approach, a change that contributed significantly to his team’s successes.

Despite spending less time in forward positions, Cripps scored 17 goals, close to his personal best of 20. His precise application in different roles, including his involvement in ruck contests, displayed a versatility that was highly rewarded by match officials.

While Cripps’ remarkable individual accolades continue to grow, his aspirations remain team-oriented. Reflecting on his goals, he expressed, “Individual stuff is a reward for hard work, but I think if you talk to any AFL player, the reward and fulfillment come from team success.” Despite the Blues falling short of their prior year’s finals performance, Cripps remains fervent in leading Carlton towards a premiership victory.