IT WOULD be fair to say that in a town of 800 people, fame is hard to come by.

However this isn’t the case for the town of Northampton - a town 500km north of Perth - that has produced 11 AFL players. Many have gone on to have storied careers, boasting five premierships, eight All Australians and two Coleman Medals. 

On Sunday evening, Northampton had another accolade to add, claiming their first Brownlow Medallist following the Sunday night success of Patrick Cripps. 

Speaking during his acceptance speech, Cripps acknowledged the role his hometown played in his journey and how proud he feels to represent Northampton on the biggest stage. 

“We come from a town of 800 people,” Cripps said. 

“Most importantly, this makes my hometown proud, which is a small community but we love being from back there.

“To have 11 AFL players, if you talk to any single one of us we’re proud to be from Northampton.”

Being raised in a regional farming town, Cripps definitely grew up differently to the life he now leads in the heart of Melbourne as the captain of Carlton: however, the Brownlow Medallist was adamant he tries to live each day like he grew up.

“My parents raised me to keep a level head,” he said. 

“I don’t think I’m bigger than anything. I’m just a kid from the country.” 

Growing up with his brothers on the farm was Cripps’ whole life, still returning to Northampton whenever time allows while away from the Club.

Cripps also acknowledged the hardships his parents went through during the drought years, but how they never let anything show to their three happy-go-lucky children. 

"Farming is tough: you have your up years and down years. I spoke to my dad about the drought, and it gave me an idea of what they went through,” he said. 

"I didn't realise how tough that time was because my parents just showed up every day. I look back now and have even more appreciation for what they did."

The boy from ‘Ram Country’ has now won the highest accolade an AFL player can be awarded, but as much as the ever-humble Cripps is in disbelief and proud to represent his community, he still has his eye on the main prize. 

“As much as this award is a massive honour, you don’t play for this,” he said. 

“We’ve got bigger fish to fry next year.”