Young Carlton midfielder Patrick Cripps has become the latest player to take out a Rising Star nomination, claiming the Round 4 gong.
The 20-year-old collected 33 disposals (23 contested), 11 tackles, eight clearances and kicked a goal in a near best-on-ground performance in the Blues’ win over St Kilda in New Zealand on Anzac Day.
Cripps, playing just his sixth AFL game, received eight Coaches Association votes to equal Marc Murphy for the best player on the ground.
This young man won over @Hendo_23. And us. He's made the list of R4 highlights. @CarltonFC http://t.co/HZnUi9jy9n pic.twitter.com/aEmCOySo7S
— aflplayers (@AFLPlayers) April 27, 2015
Malthouse: "Cripps has leadership qualities. We're really encouraged by this kid, but we're not going to put too much pressure on him."
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) April 11, 2014
Cripps was selected with pick 13 in the 2013 National Draft after representing West Australia in the under-18 championships, claiming an All-Australian selection for his efforts.
The strong-bodied midfielder has been touted as a clearance machine and relishes contested situations.
The 192cm midfielder is only the third nomination for Carlton since 2011, joining Dylan Buckley and Troy Menzel, who were nominated last season.
The Blues have 26 nominations since the inception of the award in 1993 and are yet to register a winner.
Thanks everyone for the kind words, looking forward to getting out there Friday night against the pies. #GoBlues
— Patrick Cripps (@patrickcripps) April 27, 2015
Rising Star Nominees for 2015
Round 1 – Kamdyn McIntosh (Richmond)
Round 2 – Mitch Honeychurch (Western Bulldogs)
Round 3 – Isaac Heeney (Sydney Swans)
Round 4 – Patrick Cripps (Carlton)