PATRICK Cripps will look back on season 2022 as a period of extraordinary individual achievement. As the recently declared Brownlow Medallist and even more recently adjudged John Nicholls Medal winner, the Carlton captain has effectively secured all that any footballer can possibly earn at both League and club level.

But the boy from Northampton is thinking team – and when you hear him say “the time is now”, there’s no living, breathing Blues devotee who doesn’t share his wish that the 2023 AFL season was starting tomorrow.

Cripps can’t wait for the first bounce in the opening round – a view that is clearly shared by each and every one of his on-field Carlton contemporaries with whom he shares a truly tight bond.

“We’ve got a great bunch of guys who not only want to get the best out of themselves, but are happy for their teammates to do well, which is really important,” Cripps said of the playing group.

“We’ve got a big group of players who over the years have stuck together. The core is there and in the past three to four years no-one has left, which is a good sign.

“I have so much belief in this group, the boys and the environment we have created. People want to come and we’re at the point now where people want to stay - and we’re ready to go.”

Born in Carlton’s last premiership season of 1995, Cripps, at 27, has truly led from the front – and as he braces for his 10th season with his club, the 159-gamer craving to play finals admits he’s very much a man in a hurry.

In John Nicholls – whose medal he placed over Cripps’ head for the fourth time as Carlton champion - Cripps has a considerable confidante. It’s worth noting that Nicholls, as captain, first made it to the Premiership podium after 12 long seasons, but would lead his players to two more Grand Final victories before calling it a day.

When ‘Big Nick’ rose from his chair to hug Cripps as he made his way to the podium on Brownlow night, everyone watching on caught rare glimpse of a very special, but low-key relationship.

“I’ve kept in contact with him (Nicholls) over the years. He just wants to see the Club go well,” Cripps said.

“The thing I respect about him is that he wants to help the Club get better, and you never hear him in the media because he wants to do it behind closed doors. I have a lot of respect for him for that.

“Obviously he was and is a legend of the game and the Club, and I’ve learned why he was successful not only as a player but also as captain.”