CARLTON captain Patrick Cripps, newly crowned Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow and defender Adam Saad have all earned a place in the 2022 Therabody All-Australian team.
Cripps had a blistering start to the season with 30-plus disposals in six of his first seven games, along with 13 goals during in that time.
The Carlton captain only missed one game during the 2022 campaign and while his stats were impressive, it was his leadership throughout the year which proved to once again to be the No.9’s standout asset.
This is Cripps’ third All-Australian selection after he was also recognised in 2018 and 2019.
Carlton forward Charlie Curnow has earned his first All-Australian honour on the back of a 64-goal season which saw him also awarded the Coleman Medal.
Curnow’s return from injury saw him feature in all 22 home-and-away fixtures for the Blues this year, where he formed a formidable duo with fellow tall forward Harry McKay.
He stamped his mark on the competition in Round 2 with 100 per cent goal accuracy against the Western Bulldogs where he kicked five straight along with 16 disposals and four marks.
Curnow is the second Coleman Medallist from Carlton in two years after McKay claimed the award last season – with the pair becoming the first teammates to lead the competition’s goalkicking in back-to-back seasons since Albert Thurgood and Fred Hiskins in 1900-1901.
Saad joins Curnow as a first-time All Australian after a stellar season in defence.
The 28-year-old played 21 games this season and was renowned for his on-ball speed and ability to launch a left foot kick, entrenching himself as a fan favourite amongst the Carlton faithful while also showcasing his consistent class defensively against opposition small forwards.
His performance against Fremantle in Round 15 saw him record 28 disposals (18 of those kicks) and seven intercepts for good measure.
It has been quite the milestone year for Saad, who reached his 150th game in Round 21 and can now add All-Australian status to his growing list of accolades.
Carlton Senior Coach Michael Voss says All-Australian recognition is a great reward for effort that these players have earnt through hard work all season.
“Patrick, Charlie and Adam have put in the work all season and their performances deserve to be recognised,” Voss said.
“Patrick leads this side by example and his work rate has been second to none.
“He provides this team with speed and skill through the midfield and is an excellent leader on and off the field, and he truly deserves yet another All-Australian recognition after his season.
“Charlie slotted right back into the side and made an instant impact in the forward line and has rightly been recognised with two awards tonight.
“It’s one thing for a forward to be able to kick goals and win the Coleman Medal, but it requires another level to step up and elevate your performance to the point where you’re named one of the best 22 players in the entire competition.
“The work he is also putting in as a teammate has been impressive, ensuring that forward group continues to grow together as we head into next year.
“Adam has been a pillar of strength in our backline this season and was one of the constants we had there.
“His ability to adapt and constantly stand up is to be admired, and Adam has truly earned this honour.
“The recognition for these three players is a credit to their individual performances but it is something our entire program takes pride in and we could not be more proud of them.”
