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Patrick Cripps
Patrick Cripps
Patrick Cripps
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Patrick Cripps (born 18 March 1995) is a professional Australian rules footballer playing for the Carlton Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Cripps won the Leigh Matthews Trophy in 2019, and is a dual Brownlow Medallist, four-time All-Australian and five-time John Nicholls Medallist; he was the second-youngest player to win the latter when he first won the award in 2015 and has won the equal-most at the club, along with Nicholls. Cripps served as Carlton co-captain from 2019 to 2021, and he has served as the sole captain since the 2022 season.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Cripps was born in Perth, but at a young age he moved to the small farming town of Northampton in Western Australia's Mid West.[1] Cripps played junior football for local club Northampton Rams before moving to Aquinas College in Perth and playing juniors and colts for the East Fremantle Football Club in the West Australian Football League. He represented Western Australia at the 2013 AFL Under-18 Championships, serving as vice-captain and winning a place in the All-Australian Team for the tournament.[2]

AFL career

[edit]

2014–2017: Early career and rise in form

[edit]

Cripps was recruited by the Carlton Football Club with its first-round selection in the 2013 AFL National Draft (No. 13 overall). Even as a junior, his playing style as a strong-bodied midfielder with a strong ability to win clearances by handpass drew comparisons with club Hall of Famer and AFL Team of the Century player Greg Williams.[3][4] Cripps made his senior debut against Melbourne in Round 4, 2014,[5] but he played only three matches during the season due to injuries. Cripps changed from his debut jumper number of 16 at the end of the 2014 season to number 9 after it was vacated after the delisting of Kane Lucas.

In just his second season, Cripps, standing at 195 cm (6 ft 5 in), established himself as a top inside midfielder, finishing 8th in the league for contested possessions and 11th for clearances, and earning strong acclaim for his attacking use of handball.[6] He finished second in the 2015 AFL Rising Star award after holding favouritism with bookmakers for much of the year, and he won the John Nicholls Medal as Carlton's best and fairest to become the second-youngest winner in the award's history.[7]

In 2016, Cripps further solidified his place as one of the best inside midfielders in the AFL, amassing 185 clearances at an average of 8.8 per game, ranked #1 in the AFL, as well as 354 contested possessions at an average of 16.9, ranked #2 in the AFL for the season.[8] After a slow start to the 2017 season whilst recovering from a back injury, Cripps found form to average 24.9 disposals and 6.7 clearances from 15 games before his season was cut short with a broken leg.

2018–2019: Co-captaincy and AFLPA MVP

[edit]

Before the beginning of the 2018 season, he was announced as joint vice-captain of Carlton, along with defender Sam Docherty.[9] Cripps had a magnificent 2018, winning his second Carlton best and fairest, All-Australian honours, and finishing second in voting for the Leigh Matthews Trophy. Averaging over 29 touches a game, Cripps managed to become the leading contested possession winner and breaking the league record for a single-season haul, eclipsing Patrick Dangerfield's previous benchmark of 386 with 388. He later re-signed with the club until the end of the 2021 season.[10]

In October 2018, Cripps and Sam Docherty were named Carlton co-captains.[11]

In 2019, Cripps would deliver his finest season yet. In the pre-season 2019 AFLX Grand Final, Cripps, playing for the composite team known as 'Rampage', humorously performed a place kick, a kick that had become entirely obsolete for Australian rules football in the 1950s.[12][13][14] In the 2019 season proper, Cripps averaged a staggering 8.5 clearances, 17 contested possessions and 6.2 tackles a game.

After Round 11 2019, Carlton coach Brendon Bolton was sacked due to poor performance.[15] Preceding Carlton's next game against Brisbane, Cripps revealed he almost didn't play due to being "mentally fried".[16] Cripps ended up playing that game kicking 4 goals and being named best on ground in the Blues' 15 point victory.

His fantastic season would be enough to secure him the Leigh Matthews Trophy.[17]

2020–2021: COVID years and form slump

[edit]

It has been speculated that Patrick Cripps was suffering a chronic back issue during the seasons of 2020 and 2021, which saw considerable drops in his performance. However, this was never confirmed by the club or Patrick himself.[18] In 2021, Cripps re-signed with Carlton until 2027 making him effectively a Blue for life.[19] With a drop of form across both COVID impacted seasons, Cripps faced criticism by multiple former AFL players with him being accused of being a "journeyman" and playing for million dollar contract[20]

2022–2023: Sole captaincy and Brownlow win

[edit]

The year 2022 started with Patrick polling 25 of a possible maximum 30 votes in the AFLCA MVP over the first three rounds, before injuring a hamstring against the Gold Coast Suns in round four. Cripps won the 2022 Brownlow Medal by a single vote, becoming the first Carlton player to win it since Chris Judd in 2010.[21]

In round 3 of the 2023 season, Cripps recorded a career-best 42 disposals in Carlton's ten-point win over Greater Western Sydney.[22]

2024–present: Record-breaking Brownlow win

[edit]

In 2024 Cripps had another standout year, averaging 8 clearances and 28.8 disposals a game. He came second in the AFL Coaches Association's Champion Player award, the AFL Players' Association MVP award and the AFLPA Best Captain award. He was also the vice captain for the 2024 all-Australian team. Going into the 2024 Brownlow night Cripps was one of the favourites to win. He ended up tallying 45 votes, the most any player has ever received in the three votes system, securing his second Brownlow. Cripps also won his fifth John Nicholls Medal in 2024, equalling the record held by the award's namesake, John Nicholls.

Statistics

[edit]

Updated to the end of round 20, 2025.[23]

Legend
  G  
 Goals
  K  
 Kicks
  D  
 Disposals 
  T  
 Tackles
  B  
 Behinds 
  H  
 Handballs 
  M  
 Marks
  ±  
 Won that season's 
Brownlow Medal
Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game) Votes
G B K H D M T G B K H D M T
2014 Carlton 16 3 0 1 10 17 27 5 9 0.0 0.3 3.3 5.7 9.0 1.7 3.0 0
2015 Carlton 9 20 6 13 158 313 471 64 98 0.3 0.7 7.9 15.7 23.6 3.2 4.9 6
2016 Carlton 9 21 10 14 176 390 566 68 139 0.5 0.7 8.4 18.5 27.0 3.2 6.6 18
2017 Carlton 9 15 7 4 168 206 374 65 90 0.5 0.3 11.2 13.7 24.9 4.3 6.0 5
2018 Carlton 9 22 11 15 259 393 652 92 138 0.5 0.7 11.8 17.9 29.6 4.2 6.3 20
2019 Carlton 9 20 13 6 212 348 560 62 123 0.7 0.3 10.6 17.4 28.0 3.1 6.2 26
2020[a] Carlton 9 17 7 11 153 181 334 40 81 0.4 0.6 9.0 10.6 21.6 2.4 4.8 10
2021 Carlton 9 20 13 11 163 305 468 63 85 0.7 0.6 8.2 15.3 23.4 3.2 4.3 5
2022 Carlton 9 21 20 9 226 365 591 76 105 1.0 0.4 10.8 17.4 28.1 3.6 5.0 29±
2023 Carlton 9 24 9 14 226 370 596 51 130 0.4 0.6 9.4 15.4 24.8 2.1 5.4 22
2024 Carlton 9 24 17 6 266 426 692 63 129 0.7 0.3 11.1 17.8 28.8 2.6 5.4 45±
2025 Carlton 9 23 14 17 220 336 556 50 132 0.6 0.7 9.6 14.6 24.2 2.2 5.7 19
Career 230 127 121 2236 3651 5887 699 1259 0.6 0.5 9.7 15.9 25.6 3.0 5.5 205

Notes

  1. ^ The 2020 season was played with 17 home-and-away matches per team (down from 22) and 16-minute quarters with time on (down from 20-minute quarters with time on) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Honours and achievements

[edit]

Personal life

[edit]

Patrick Cripps is related to former West Coast Eagles footballer Chris Mainwaring through his father. Cripps' father is Mainwaring's first cousin, and the two are also related to current West Coast Eagles player Jamie Cripps.[24]

On 31 December 2022, Cripps married his partner Monique Fontana.[25] They had a baby daughter together in 2024.[26]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Patrick Cripps

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Patrick Cripps (born 18 March 1995) is an Australian rules footballer and captain of the in the Australian Football League (AFL). Selected by Carlton with the 13th pick in the 2013 AFL National Draft from East Fremantle in , Cripps debuted in 2014 and quickly established himself as a dominant inside known for his contested possessions, clearances, and . Cripps' career highlights include winning the Brownlow Medal, the AFL's highest individual honour for the fairest and best player, in 2022 with 29 votes and again in 2024 with a record-breaking 45 votes—the highest tally in the award's history. In 2024, he led the league in total clearances, centre clearances, and contested possessions, while also contributing 17 goals and demonstrating improved disposal efficiency and territorial impact. At the club level, he has secured the John Nicholls Medal, Carlton's best and fairest award, five times (a record shared with John Nicholls) as of 2025, underscoring his consistent excellence and role as the team's talismanic figure. Standing at 195 cm and weighing 93 kg, Cripps combines , speed, and tactical intelligence to excel in stoppages and contested situations, evolving from a pure inside player to one capable of influencing games externally and in forward entries. Appointed co-captain in 2019 and sole captain in 2022, he has signed a long-term extension through 2027, committing to lead Carlton's resurgence toward premiership contention. In 2025, Cripps continued as captain, playing 23 games despite team challenges. Off the field, Cripps is recognized for his resilience, having overcome early injuries to become a four-time All-Australian and a model of in the league.

Early life and junior career

Family background and upbringing

Patrick Cripps was born on 18 March 1995 in Perth, , to parents Brad and Cath Cripps. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated approximately 465 kilometers north to the rural farming town of in 's Mid West region, where they established life on a . The Cripps family maintained strong generational ties to the state, with Brad Cripps actively involved in the local agricultural community and supporting his sons' engagement in regional sports and outdoor activities. Raised as the middle child among three brothers in this supportive rural household, Cripps grew up immersed in the open spaces of the farm, which encouraged a lifestyle of , , and early exposure to . His parents, Brad and Cath, provided unwavering encouragement during challenging times, including periods of on the farm, fostering resilience and a strong work ethic from a young age. Cath Cripps later reflected that while she did not initially anticipate her son's path to professional football, the family's emphasis on determination and community involvement shaped his foundational development. Cripps received his early education at Northampton District High School, attending from kindergarten through Year 10, before transitioning to boarding school at Aquinas College in Perth as a teenager. It was during these school years in , a town renowned as a "football factory" for producing AFL talent, that he first participated in organized football, building on the informal play encouraged at home. This rural upbringing, centered on family, farm life, and , provided the bedrock for his later athletic pursuits.

Junior and representative football

Cripps began his junior football career with the Northampton Rams in regional before relocating to Perth, where he played for the East Fremantle Football Club's junior and colts teams. He represented at the 2013 AFL Under-18 Championships, serving as vice-captain of the team and earning selection in the All-Australian squad for his strong midfield performances. During the championships, Cripps averaged 19 disposals (including around 12 contested possessions), 6 clearances, and 3 tackles per game, demonstrating his endurance and ball-winning ability at the underage level. These representative honors highlighted his early leadership qualities and midfield prowess, which were key factors in his . Carlton selected Cripps with the 13th pick in the 2013 AFL National Draft, viewing him as a durable inside with significant potential.

AFL career

Draft and early seasons (2013–2014)

Cripps was selected by Carlton with the 13th pick in the 2013 AFL National Draft, earning a reputation as one of the premier inside in his cohort due to his contested ball-winning ability and physical presence during junior representative carnivals. Following the draft, he signed a standard three-year rookie contract and relocated from his hometown in rural to , marking a significant transition from the slower-paced WAFL environment to the demands of professional life in the AFL. The move presented initial hurdles, including adapting to the extensive interstate travel schedule and the heightened physicality of AFL contests, where he had to build endurance and strength to handle the relentless contest for possession. Cripps made his AFL debut in Round 4 of the 2014 season against at the , where he recorded 17 disposals, including several contested possessions, in a performance that showcased his extraction skills despite the ' loss. He went on to play 16 games that year, often rotating through the midfield and forward line while learning to cope with the league's intensity; however, a leg fracture sidelined him for six weeks mid-season, limiting his consistency. One standout effort came in Round 8 against Collingwood, where he amassed 20 disposals and applied strong tackling pressure, contributing to Carlton's narrow victory and demonstrating his growing adaptation to high-stakes stoppages. Despite the interruptions, Cripps impressed club officials with his work rate, finishing third in Carlton's award, the , behind winner Bryce Gibbs and runner-up Andrew Walker. His early exposure highlighted a need for improved conditioning to match the AFL's physical toll, prompting focused off-season training on diet and aerobic capacity to prepare for a breakout 2015.

Rise to prominence (2015–2017)

In 2015, Cripps established himself as a cornerstone of Carlton's midfield during the club's rebuilding phase, playing 20 games and averaging 23.6 disposals, including 13.7 contested possessions and 6.7 clearances per game. His relentless contested ball-winning and clearance work provided vital drive from stoppages in a struggling team, earning him the John Nicholls Medal as Carlton's best and fairest player with 68 votes, making him the second-youngest recipient of the award at age 20. Additionally, he finished runner-up in the NAB AFL Rising Star award, recognizing his rapid development after a limited debut season in 2014 marred by injury. Cripps elevated his performance in 2016, appearing in 21 games and averaging 27 disposals while leading the AFL with 8.8 clearances per game, underscoring his dominance in contested situations and contribution to Carlton's contested possession efforts amid ongoing rebuild challenges. He recorded multiple career-high disposal hauls exceeding 30, including 34 against Collingwood and 33 against West Coast, highlighting his growing influence in high-pressure games. His standout season garnered 18 votes—the highest for a Carlton player that year—and selection to the AFL Players Association's , signaling emerging leadership qualities as the club invested in his long-term role with a contract extension to 2019. The 2017 season marked Cripps' breakthrough on the national stage despite a back injury limiting him to 15 games, where he averaged 24.9 disposals and continued to excel in clearances and contested work, bolstering Carlton's midfield resilience. He earned his first selection as an interchange player, affirming his rise as one of the league's premier inside midfielders. Polling 5 votes, Cripps' performances further demonstrated the club's trust in his leadership potential, with early discussions positioning him as a key figure in future captaincy structures.

Co-captaincy and peak form (2018–2019)

In 2018, Patrick Cripps delivered a standout season for Carlton, averaging 28.9 disposals per game across 22 matches while leading the AFL in total clearances with 168. His dominance in the midfield earned him widespread acclaim as one of the league's premier ball-winners, culminating in a fourth-place finish in the with 20 votes—the highest tally ever recorded by a player from a team. Cripps also secured his second as Carlton's , further solidifying his status among the elite midfielders. This performance saw him selected in the 2018 . Cripps' form carried into 2019, where he was appointed co-captain alongside Sam Docherty in October 2018, becoming one of the youngest players to hold the role at the club at age 23. Despite Carlton's challenges, he anchored the midfield with exceptional consistency, playing 20 games and again topping the league in clearances. His leadership and output were pivotal in a late-season surge that kept the Blues competitive, though they ultimately fell short of finals contention with a 13th-place finish after narrow losses in key matches. Cripps reached new heights in 2019, winning the AFL Players Association's Most Valuable Player award—the Leigh Matthews Trophy—with 832 votes, the highest margin since 2014 and the first such honor for a non-top-eight player since Gary Ablett. He polled 26 Brownlow votes to tie for third place, while claiming his third John Nicholls Medal in a tight count, becoming the youngest three-time winner in club history. A highlight was his Round 12 performance against Brisbane, where he recorded 38 disposals, eight clearances, seven tackles, and four goals—including three in the second half—to inspire a 15-point comeback victory, one of Carlton's few wins that season. Media outlets hailed Cripps as the AFL's top midfielder, crediting his Herculean efforts for carrying a rebuilding Carlton side.

Setbacks during COVID era (2020–2021)

The was heavily disrupted by the , with Carlton playing in a hub-based format in that limited the campaign to 17 home-and-away games per team. As co-captain alongside , Cripps featured in all 17 matches for the , averaging 19.6 disposals per game—a noticeable drop from his pre-pandemic average of over 28—while still leading the team in total disposals and contested possessions. Despite his efforts in driving Carlton's midfield, the team finished 11th on the ladder with a 7–10 record, marking another season of struggle. Cripps did not receive an All-Australian selection that year, a departure from his 2018 and 2019 honors. In , Cripps continued as co-captain but faced significant physical setbacks, including a fractured back sustained in pre-season that required weekly injections to manage and enable him to play. The injury impaired his explosiveness early in the season, contributing to a reduced average of 23.4 disposals across 20 games, during which he missed three matches due to related soreness and a separate quad issue. Carlton's form remained inconsistent, culminating in a 13th-place finish with an 8–14 record, intensifying the leadership demands on Cripps amid ongoing team rebuild efforts. The dual burdens of co-captaincy and pandemic-related protocols, including prolonged isolation in hubs, added layers of uncertainty and pressure, though Cripps demonstrated resilience by mentoring emerging talents like Sam Walsh and mentoring the club's younger midfielders through the lows. His pre-COVID status as a league MVP underscored the challenges of maintaining elite output in such constrained conditions.

Sole captaincy and first Brownlow Medal (2022–2023)

In 2022, Patrick Cripps assumed sole captaincy of the Carlton Football Club following co-captain Sam Docherty's decision to step back from leadership duties to focus on his recovery from health challenges, including a prior battle with cancer and subsequent injuries. Cripps, who had shared the role with Docherty since 2019, was endorsed by players, coaches, and the board for the position, marking a new era of leadership amid the club's ongoing rebuild under coach Michael Voss. Under his guidance, Carlton showed improved consistency, starting the season with an 8-2 record, but ultimately missed the finals on percentage after a dramatic round 23 loss to Collingwood, ending a near-decade-long absence from September action. Cripps' individual brilliance that year culminated in a thrilling victory, polling 29 votes to edge out Brisbane's by one vote and Gold Coast's Touk Miller by two, becoming the first Carlton player to claim the award since in 2010. He received unanimous three votes in several late-season rounds, including the pivotal final match against Collingwood where he amassed 35 disposals and 12 clearances despite the defeat, underscoring his status as the league's player. This triumph, the club's first Brownlow in 12 years, injected significant morale into the team and fanbase, reinforcing Cripps' role as a transformative leader during a season of heightened expectations. Building on this momentum in 2023, Cripps earned back-to-back selection in the All-Australian squad, averaging 24.8 disposals, 7.8 clearances, and 14.5 contested possessions across 25 games as he balanced midfield dominance with occasional forward time to ease physical demands. His leadership propelled Carlton to a seventh-place finish and their first finals appearance since , ending a nine-year drought with a hard-fought elimination final victory over by six points at the . In that match, Cripps recorded 28 disposals, 10 clearances, and kicked a crucial goal from a set shot in the final quarter, helping seal the win and advancing the to a semi-final triumph over before a preliminary final loss to . These achievements highlighted Cripps' evolution as , fostering team resilience and elevating club spirit toward sustained contention.

Second Brownlow and recent challenges (2024–2025)

In 2024, Patrick Cripps achieved a historic milestone by winning his second , becoming the first Carlton player to claim the award twice and polling a record 45 votes to edge out Collingwood's on 38. As captain, he led the to a sixth-place finish and a return to the finals, where they fell to in an elimination final, showcasing his enduring influence amid a team resurgence. Following this triumph, Cripps was reappointed as Carlton captain for 2025, reaffirming his long-term commitment to the club despite growing external pressures. He emphasized a focus on collective improvement and stability, stating his dedication to steering the team through upcoming challenges. The 2025 season proved more turbulent for Cripps and Carlton, with the enduring a disappointing campaign marked by inconsistency and an early exit from finals contention. Despite the team's challenges, Cripps won his fifth as Carlton's player at the end-of-season count. Cripps played all 23 games, averaging 24.2 disposals, and polled 19 Brownlow votes, pushing his career total beyond 200—a feat achieved by only 13 players in VFL/AFL history and the first for a Carlton player. However, his form dipped noticeably in the latter stages, with no goals scored in the final five games and disposals falling below 25 in four of the last six outings (20 against West Coast in Round 16, 22 against Essendon in Round 17, 24 against Gold Coast in Round 20, and despite a 36-disposal haul against in Round 21). This slump coincided with broader team struggles, including a mid-season winless streak that amplified scrutiny on the leadership group. Amid these challenges, trade speculation intensified in mid-2025, with reports linking Cripps to Western Australian clubs such as West Coast and Fremantle, fueled by his Perth origins, reported homesickness, and the performance dip. Commentators suggested a move could rejuvenate both Cripps and his suitors, but he and Carlton firmly denied any interest in a trade, with Cripps reiterating his resolve to remain and rebuild at the Blues.

Playing style and leadership

On-field attributes and role

Patrick Cripps stands at 195 cm and leverages his imposing physical presence and strength to dominate contested situations in the AFL midfield, earning comparisons to club legend for his ability to impose himself in physical battles. As an elite contested possession player, he has consistently ranked among the league's leaders, with a career average of 14.5 contested possessions per game, often excelling in high-pressure stoppages. His powerful tackling further underscores this inside dominance, maintaining a career average exceeding 5 tackles per game and frequently disrupting opposition ball movement through sheer force. These attributes position him as a cornerstone inside midfielder for Carlton, where his physicality secures possessions at the coalface. Cripps' exceptional endurance enables him to sustain a relentless work rate across full games, rarely rotating off the field and contributing vigorously to clearances and stoppages, with a career average of 7.1 clearances per game. This stamina allows him to cover extensive ground while maintaining intensity in contested environments, often playing every match in a season, as demonstrated in 2024 when he featured in all 24 games. Complementing his inside prowess, Cripps demonstrates strong marking ability, averaging 3 marks per game, which aids in transitioning play from defense to attack. His skills are a key asset, facilitating quick distribution under pressure and enhancing team connectivity, with consistent contributions in this area throughout his career. Over time, Cripps has evolved into a dual-threat , expanding beyond pure inside work to incorporate effective outside run, thereby increasing his overall disposals and impact across the ground. This development has been particularly evident in his improved goal-kicking efficiency since 2022, when he kicked 20 goals, followed by sustained scoring output, including 17 goals in 2024, adding a forward dimension to his role. In 2025, despite Carlton's mid-season struggles, Cripps averaged 12.9 contested possessions per game over 23 matches, showcasing resilience in contested situations.

Captaincy and influence

Patrick Cripps was elected co-captain of the in 2019 alongside , becoming the youngest captain in AFL history at the age of 23. He transitioned to sole captain in 2022, a role he has held continuously thereafter. In this capacity, Cripps has streamlined the club's leadership structure under coach , collaborating weekly on team motivation and strategy to align with the club's long-term vision. Cripps' leadership style emphasizes leading by example through an unrelenting work ethic, often dedicating the latter part of training weeks to optimizing performance and energy for match days. He is vocal during on-field huddles, delivering impassioned quarter-time addresses that rally teammates toward unity and resilience, as seen in his 2023 speech against GWS where he urged the group to stay connected under pressure, contributing to a crucial victory. As a mentor, Cripps focuses on guiding young midfielders, providing raw talents with frameworks for habit-building and independence to accelerate their development and breakthroughs. His on-field tenacity in contested situations further bolsters this influence, modeling the resilience required in Carlton's ongoing rebuild. Off-field, Cripps serves as the primary media spokesperson for the club, frequently addressing form challenges and outlining paths forward in public interviews. He has played a pivotal in fostering club culture during the rebuild, promoting in victories and during losses by encouraging teammates to "step up and dig in" amid slumps. While facing criticisms from pundits like in 2025 for the group's handling of mid-season struggles, Cripps has been praised for his personal , as evidenced in interviews where he expressed and called for internal to maintain optimism. At the 2025 count, he reinforced this by advocating a "bouncing forward" mindset, drawing lessons from setbacks to build collective strength.

Career statistics and honours

AFL statistics

Patrick Cripps has played 230 (AFL) games for the from 2014 to 2025, accumulating 5,887 disposals, 3,339 contested possessions, 1,630 clearances, and 1,259 tackles. The following table summarizes his season-by-season AFL statistics, including games played, average disposals, average contested possessions, total goals, and votes.
YearGamesAvg. DisposalsAvg. Contested PossessionsGoalsBrownlow Votes
201439.04.300
20152023.613.766
20162126.916.91018
20171524.913.575
20182229.617.61120
20192028.017.01326
20201719.611.8710
20212023.412.3135
20222128.115.32029
20232424.813.6922
20242428.815.71745
20252324.212.91419
Averages calculated from seasonal totals reported by AFL Tables. Cripps ranks 14th among active AFL players in career disposals with 5,887, placing him among the top-10 active midfielders in total possessions. He has led the league in total clearances in multiple seasons, including 2018 (168), 2019 (170), and 2024 (193), and finished in the top five in several other years, such as sixth in 2025 with 148 clearances. His career tackle efficiency stands at approximately 5.5 tackles per game, contributing to his reputation as a high-pressure .

Awards and achievements

Patrick Cripps has achieved significant individual recognition in the Australian Football League (AFL), most notably as a dual winner of the , the award for the league's fairest and best player. He claimed his first Brownlow in 2022, polling 29 votes to edge out Brisbane's by one vote in a dramatic count. In 2024, Cripps secured his second Brownlow with a record-breaking 45 votes, becoming the first Carlton player to win multiple Brownlow Medals and establishing the highest vote tally in the award's history. Cripps has been selected in the five times, recognizing his elite performance among the league's top 22 players each season. His selections came in 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024, with the latter including his appointment as of the team. At club level, Cripps has won the , Carlton's award, on five occasions: in 2015, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2024, tying the record held by Blues legend John Nicholls. Additionally, in 2019, he was voted the AFL Players' Association , earning the for his outstanding season as selected by his peers. Under Cripps' captaincy, Carlton returned to in 2022 for the first time since 2013, followed by consecutive appearances in 2023 and 2024, though the team has yet to secure a premiership. Early in his career, Cripps received a nomination for the award in round 4 of the 2015 season, highlighting his rapid emergence as a key .

Personal life

Family and relationships

Patrick Cripps married his longtime partner, Monique Fontana, on December 30, 2022, at Sandalford Winery in Western Australia's Swan Valley, in a ceremony attended by over 200 guests. The couple first met in Perth in 2015 and have since maintained a relatively low public profile while supporting each other through personal and professional challenges. They welcomed their first child, daughter Koda Sophie Cripps, in April 2024, marking a joyful addition to their family. Cripps maintains a close bond with his parents, Brad and Cath Cripps, who temporarily relocated from their wheat and canola farm near Northampton to Perth to better support his burgeoning AFL career. His family has been instrumental in fostering his early passion for Australian rules football, rooted in the tight-knit football culture of rural Western Australia. He has two brothers: an older brother, Daniel, and a younger brother, Josh, the latter of whom has pursued football in Western Australia, playing for East Fremantle in the WAFL and trialing with Carlton's VFL side. Living in for his career with the has presented challenges for Cripps, including periods of homesickness due to the distance from his Western Australian family roots. The family often reunites for gatherings in Perth during the off-season, providing essential time to recharge and strengthen their support network.

Off-field interests and philanthropy

Beyond his on-field commitments, Patrick Cripps has demonstrated a keen interest in recreational activities that allow him to unwind and connect with his Western Australian roots. A notable enthusiast, Cripps has participated in lighthearted golf challenges, showcasing his recreational enjoyment of the sport alongside fellow AFL players. During visits to his family farm in , he engages in and , activities he credits with providing a grounding escape from the demands of professional football. In the business realm, Cripps has secured significant off-field partnerships, most prominently a major endorsement deal with Nike in 2019, described as one of the largest in AFL history, under which he wears Nike footwear throughout his career. He also serves as an for AIA , promoting health and initiatives that align with his personal values. These endorsements reflect his growing commercial profile while maintaining a focus on authentic brand alignments. Cripps is actively involved in , particularly in supporting children's and community relief efforts. As an ambassador for My Room Children's Cancer Charity, he advocates for families affected by pediatric cancer, emphasizing the emotional impact of bringing joy to young patients through personalized interactions and fundraising. In response to the 2020 Australian bushfires, he personally donated 100 signed Carlton guernseys and additional memorabilia, raising over $30,000 for the Bushfire Disaster Appeal. He has further contributed to causes, partnering with Coles in 2022 to support initiatives addressing , , and . His commitment to awareness is a cornerstone of his off-field work, influenced by his wife's experiences with obsessive-compulsive disorder and his own studies in , which he began pursuing around 2022. As an AIA ambassador, Cripps promotes programs like Movember's "Ahead of the Game," a initiative educating young players, parents, and coaches on resilience and . He uses the off-season, particularly following Carlton's 2025 struggles, for personal recharge through family time and advocacy, reinforcing his role in broader community efforts.

References

  1. https://www.afl.com.au/news/58955/2013-draft-prospect-patrick-cripps
  2. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1239742/carlton-blues-captain-courageous-patrick-cripps-makes-history-with-fifth-bf
  3. https://www.afl.com.au/news/97883/around-the-state-leagues-cripps-stakes-claim
  4. https://www.afl.com.au/news/846031/carlton-blues-captain-patrick-cripps-wins-the-2022-brownlow-medal
  5. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1228430/carlton-captain-patrick-cripps-storms-to-second-brownlow-medal-win-on-record-night
  6. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-24/how-patrick-cripps-smashed-afl-brownlow-medal-record/104387192
  7. https://www.afl.com.au/news/635806/done-deal-patrick-cripps-inks-monster-contract-extension
  8. https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-carlton-blues--patrick-cripps
  9. https://www.afl.com.au/news/866052/gratitude-empathy-mindfulness-how-carlton-blues-star-patrick-cripps-went-to-another-level
  10. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/patrick-cripps.html
  11. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/1232779/extremely-proud-extremely-humbled-cath-on-her-son-patrick
  12. https://tgisport.com.au/talent/patrick-cripps/
  13. https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2013-11-27/5117864
  14. https://www.countryman.com.au/countryman/news/northamptons-patrick-cripps-thanks-parents-for-unwavering-support-of-afl-dreams-during-2006-2007-drought-c-8288688
  15. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/1561820/playing-her-role-cath-cripps-describes-mum-life-in-the-afl
  16. https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl/patrick-cripps-heart-stopping-brownlow-medal-triumph-adds-to-northamptons-rich-afl-history-as-town-buzzes--c-8281140
  17. https://effc.com.au/blog/sharks-in-the-afl-farming-lad-finds-a-way/
  18. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-23/brownlow-medal-winner-patrick-cripps-hometown-pride-northampton/101466540
  19. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/1225402/just-a-kid-from-the-country-cripps-northampton-pride
  20. https://www.saxton.com.au/speakers/patrick-cripps
  21. https://kids.kiddle.co/Patrick_Cripps
  22. https://central.rookieme.com/afl/2013/08/05/2013-draft-profile-patrick-cripps/
  23. https://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/728593/draft-in-focus-patrick-cripps
  24. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/723744/blues-choose-cripps
  25. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/118803/cripps-commits-for-two-more
  26. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tall-story-the-journey-of-patrick-cripps-20190816-p52hxq.html
  27. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/79575/2014-review-cripps
  28. https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/P/Patrick_Cripps.html
  29. https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pg-carlton-blues--patrick-cripps?year=2014
  30. https://www.draftguru.com.au/awards/best-and-fairest/carlton
  31. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/carlton/carlton-captain-and-brownlow-medallist-patrick-cripps-is-at-the-peak-of-his-powers-as-he-prepares-to-play-game-200/news-story/ee005d99807b650625279af1ab1fa180
  32. https://www.afl.com.au/news/99734/we-just-knew-he-would-be-in-for-a-big-year-cripps-wins-carltons-best-and-fairest
  33. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/128859/cripps-wins-john-nicholls-medal
  34. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/142769/season-review-patrick-cripps
  35. https://www.afl.com.au/news/158210/how-your-club-fared-in-the-2016-brownlow-medal
  36. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/players/270/patrick-cripps
  37. https://www.afl.com.au/news/58853/new-deal-for-blues-young-gun-patrick-cripps
  38. http://blueseum.org/Patrick%2BCripps
  39. https://www.theroar.com.au/2017/09/25/2017-brownlow-medal-full-leaderboard/
  40. https://www.afl.com.au/news/142557/afl-players-top-50-is-rising-blue-patrick-cripps-the-next-chris-judd
  41. https://www.afl.com.au/news/140677/cripps-a-runaway-winner-of-blues-bf
  42. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/140262/2018-brownlow-wrap
  43. https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/patrick-cripps-and-sam-docherty-set-to-captain-carlton-in-2019/news-story/772de0e2c69d7fd97e929594f32d6b8e
  44. https://www.aflplayers.com.au/news-feed/stories/you-little-crippa-blues-superstar-voted-2019-afl-players-mvp
  45. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/28404/cripps-takes-home-third-john-nicholls-medal
  46. https://afltables.com/afl/brownlow/brownlow2019.html
  47. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/41759/pattys-perfect-performance
  48. https://afltables.com/afl/stats/2020.html
  49. https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pc-carlton-blues--patrick-cripps
  50. https://afltables.com/afl/seas/ladders/laddersyby.html
  51. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/no-room-for-patrick-cripps-marcus-bontempelli-or-nat-fyfe-in-interim-all-australian-team-20200801-p55hi4.html
  52. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/blues-skipper-cripps-has-been-playing-with-back-fracture-20210512-p57rd9.html
  53. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/980159/team-selection-cripps-to-miss-among-three-changes
  54. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/1052854/cripps-to-captain-trio-to-lead
  55. https://www.afl.com.au/all-australian/clubs/Carlton
  56. https://www.afl.com.au/news/695240/docherty-steps-back-from-leadership-role
  57. https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/patrick-cripps-to-be-standalone-carlton-captain-after-cancer-survivor-sam-docherty-stands-down-to-focus-on-recovery/news-story/339eb444727f6944ce8da8d3d5219072
  58. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-21/afl-collingwood-magpies-carlton-blues-western-bulldogs/101354510
  59. https://www.zerohanger.com/brownlow-medal-2022-who-will-poll-the-most-votes-in-the-last-8-rounds-127446/
  60. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/1224549/the-blue-brownlow-2022-edition-how-cripps-won-it
  61. https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-allaustralian-squad-2023-revealed-afl-news-2023-allaustralian-squad-of-44-players-unveiled/news-story/a0ab11632a6207dcdd163f99ac307143
  62. https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/carlton-blues/afl-2023-carlton-list-build-semi-final-against-melbourne-finals-record-coach-changes-board-members-development-preview/news-story/ef853992df3153c279f1c75aa1bf4fa7
  63. https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2023/031620230908.html
  64. https://www.afl.com.au/afl/matches/5840
  65. https://www.espn.com/afl/story/_/id/41386694/afl-brownlow-medal-2024-carlton-blues-captain-patrick-cripps-wins-second-award
  66. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1264205/whos-in-whos-out-your-clubs-captains-leadership-group-for-2025
  67. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/1882795/all-in-cripps-weitering-on-2025-and-beyond
  68. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/1912232/bouncing-forward-captains-call-as-cripps-addresses-carlton-faithful
  69. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/1902407/cripps-200-brownlow-votes-a-carlton-first-now-for-c-judd
  70. https://au.sports.yahoo.com/afl-patrick-cripps-struggles-laid-bare-in-hard-to-watch-carlton-drama-004600315.html
  71. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1295871/never-lose-hope-patrick-cripps-mantra-amid-carlton-blues-horror-start
  72. https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/everyone-should-be-up-for-discussion-carlton-urged-to-consider-trading-patrick-cripps/news-story/5c72ce8ba03f9301b7bf8d5e8aa1ba97
  73. https://sportnation.nz/article/perfect-fit-would-cripps-ever-pull-on-an-eagles-jumper
  74. https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-news-rumours-2025-carlton-blues-suggested-to-look-at-trading-captain-patrick-cripps-charlie-curnow-and-harry-mckay-keep-jagga-smith-on-the-couch-reactions/news-story/4c4094cee45705cbdfc6258eace03e68
  75. https://www.sen.com.au/news/2025/09/22/afl-trade-charlie-curnow-links-patrick-cripps-carlton
  76. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/afl/i-didn-t-know-what-high-performance-was-what-judd-taught-cripps-20240810-p5k1at.html
  77. https://www.wheeloratings.com/afl_player_profile.html?id=2da270
  78. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1275233/the-25-nick-daicos-marcus-bontempelli-and-the-afls-best-players-ranked-by-our-experts
  79. https://www.afl.com.au/news/846855/freed-from-midfield-burden-heroic-carlton-blues-brownlow-medallist-patrick-cripps-gets-his-just-reward
  80. https://www.sen.com.au/news/2022/11/10/the-areas-cripps-says-he-can-improve-after-brownlow-season
  81. https://www.afl.com.au/news/699261/blues-unveil-new-look-leadership-team-sole-captain
  82. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/1287394/cripps-leading-is-my-passion
  83. https://www.afl.com.au/news/896798/growing-every-day-patrick-cripps-kicks-carlton-leadership-up-a-gear
  84. https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/carlton-captain-patrick-cripps-calls-on-teammates-to-step-up-amid-club-crisis/news-story/8194d948292d1abe440b0bc5c18f6fd1
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  91. https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/afl/carlton-blues-afl-star-patrick-cripps-and-wife-monique-announce-arrival-of-adorable-baby-girl-c-14195401
  92. https://thewest.com.au/sport/wafl/josh-cripps-younger-brother-of-carlton-brownlow-medallist-patrick-returns-to-east-fremantle-c-8766308
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  94. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/585527/catching-up-with-crippa-part-two
  95. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtUPDlewwPI
  96. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/carlton/the-tackle-carlton-captain-patrick-cripps-opens-up-on-his-time-at-family-farm-during-shutdown/news-story/7bcf6b372bb8f5d92f04ac5eeea7fa1b
  97. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/trade-hq/moneyball-trade-column-is-there-a-mass-exodus-leaving-hawthorn-for-gold-coast/news-story/1005b754fca33ac557e22fa6dac3da15
  98. https://www.aia.com.au/en/health-and-wellbeing/health-and-wellbeing-hub/move-well/patrick-cripps-how-my-one-percenters-fuel-my-growth-as-a-player-and-a-person
  99. https://www.myroom.com.au/ambassadors
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  101. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/552558/carlton-bushfire-disaster-appeal-update
  102. https://www.colesgroup.com.au/news/2022/media-releases/?page=brownlow-medallist-patrick-cripps-joins-coles-to-raise-funds-for-mens-health-
  103. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/doesn-t-have-to-be-the-difference-why-cripps-and-the-blues-are-prospering-in-2022-20220510-p5ajx0.html
  104. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/monique-fontana-opens-up-on-how-patrick-cripps-helps-her-mental-health-battle/news-story/4b46ac8657baaa10f785dd5601c772b3
  105. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-28/afl-mental-health-round-will-taylor/104703492
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