History Made: Patrick Cripps Becomes Dual Brownlow Medallist for Carlton FC
In the rich tapestry of Australian Rules Football (AFL), few names resonate as profoundly as that of Patrick Cripps. A powerhouse of both physicality and skill, Cripps has etched his name in history once again, achieving the esteemed status of a dual Brownlow Medallist. As a stalwart of the Carlton Football Club, Cripps is not just a legend within his club, but an icon of the entire AFL landscape.
Patrick Cripps’ journey to AFL greatness began in a small town in Western Australia, where his raw talent was honed through dedication and hard work. It was at Carlton where Cripps truly began to shine. Drafted in 2013 as a lanky midfielder, Cripps quickly became a force to be reckoned with, thanks to his relentless work ethic, formidable size, and leadership qualities.
Carlton fans didn’t have to wait long to see the glimmer of a future star. Cripps’ combination of power, ball-handling ability, and on-field vision set him apart early in his career, and it was clear he was on the path to greatness. As a natural leader, he took the reins as Carlton’s captain in 2019, driving the Blues forward through a period of rebuild and resurgence.
Cripps first cemented his place among the AFL’s elite when he claimed his inaugural Brownlow Medal in 2022. That season, Cripps delivered a series of awe-inspiring performances that made him the best player in the league. His Brownlow win marked the pinnacle of a career defined by consistency, passion, and skill.
A Brownlow Medal is the AFL’s highest individual accolade, awarded to the fairest and best player during the regular season. Cripps’ ability to dominate contested possessions, coupled with his leadership on and off the field, made him a deserving recipient. That victory not only solidified his standing as one of the game’s best midfielders but also brought glory back to Carlton, a club with a proud history of champions.
Fast forward to 2024, and Cripps has once again made history, becoming a dual Brownlow Medallist. The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated. Winning the Brownlow once is a monumental accomplishment, but to do it twice places Cripps among the pantheon of AFL legends.
With this second medal, Cripps joins an elite group of players who have managed to win the Brownlow multiple times, a feat that puts him in the same conversation as legends like Gary Ablett Jr., Chris Judd, and Robert Harvey. His second Brownlow is a testament to his longevity and continued dominance in the AFL, as well as his ability to rise to the occasion season after season.
What sets Cripps apart is not just his ability to rack up votes but the way he has evolved his game over time. As the game has grown faster and more dynamic, Cripps has adjusted his style, finding new ways to impact the contest and contribute to Carlton’s success. Whether it’s his fearless tackling, sharp disposal, or ability to inspire his teammates, Cripps’ influence on the game is undeniable.
As captain of the Carlton Football Club, Cripps has been instrumental in leading the Blues through a period of resurgence. Once a club mired in struggles, Carlton is now a team on the rise, with Cripps at the heart of that transformation. His leadership, both vocally and by example, has galvanised a team hungry for success.
In recent years, Carlton has re-emerged as a contender for finals footy, and Cripps’ role in their renaissance cannot be understated. His influence is felt in every game he plays, whether he’s winning crucial clearances, laying bone-crunching tackles, or willing his team across the line in close contests. Cripps’ desire to see Carlton return to its glory days burns brightly, and his Brownlow wins are a symbol of his commitment to that cause.
Beyond his accomplishments with Carlton, Patrick Cripps is an icon of Australian Rules Football. His Brownlow victories are just part of his larger legacy, which includes countless accolades and records, from All-Australian selections to leading his club in contested possessions and clearances year after year.
Cripps’ journey is also a testament to the power of perseverance. Injury setbacks, team struggles, and the pressure of captaincy could have derailed many players, but Cripps has always risen to the challenge. His resilience and determination have made him a role model not just for young Carlton players but for AFL fans across the country.
Carlton’s history is rich with legends, from John Nicholls to Stephen Kernahan, and Cripps’ dual Brownlow triumph now places him firmly alongside these names. The Carlton faithful have long known they were witnessing something special, and now the wider AFL community can celebrate one of the game’s modern greats.
As Patrick Cripps looks ahead, the possibilities are endless. At 29 years old, he still has several seasons of elite football ahead of him, and his hunger for team success burns stronger than ever. The Blues are on the cusp of breaking through into premiership contention, and with Cripps leading the charge, their fans dare to dream of a return to the top.
Cripps’ legacy, however, is already secure. A dual Brownlow Medallist, a leader of men, and an icon of the game, his place in the annals of AFL history is assured. For Carlton Football Club, Cripps is more than just a captain; he is the embodiment of the club’s spirit, a player who has carried the Blues through thick and thin and who will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever pull on the navy blue guernsey.
Patrick Cripps has made history. By becoming a dual Brownlow Medallist, he has not only solidified his place in the pantheon of AFL greats but also brought immense pride to the Carlton Football Club and its supporters. Cripps is not just an icon of Carlton; he is an icon of the game itself, a player whose influence and leadership will be felt for generations to come. As Carlton continues to rise, it will do so with Cripps at the helm, forever etched in the history books as one of the true legends of Australian football.
