A RECORD-BREAKING season in so many ways has culminated in Patrick Cripps stepping further into the Carlton history books on Sunday night.

In front of a sold-out crowd at Crown Palladium, the Carlton captain was awarded his fifth John Nicholls Medal, joining the Blues Legend himself as the only players to win five Carlton best and fairests.

Less than a fortnight after polling an all-time high 45 votes to become a dual Brownlow Medallist, Cripps was the top vote getter in nine of 24 games during the Club’s vote count, for a total of 204 votes, ahead of tightly contested placegetters Nic Newman (148 votes) and Sam Walsh (147).

The skipper’s five John Nicholls Medals now span across 10 years, further evidence of a stellar career defined by consistent excellence.

In his 11th season Cripps showcased his most consistent year to date, playing every game while averaging nearly 29 disposals, eight clearances, 5.4 tackles and more than 15 contested possessions a week.

But while his statistics ensure his 2024 season stands out on paper, it is his intangible growth as a leader over recent years that has come to define the 29-year-old’s impact on the Carlton Football Club.

In addition to the Club’s highest individual honour, Cripps also received the Players’ Award, voted by his teammates, as well as Best Finals Player.

“A true reflection of a leader is not just about the way he carries himself, but the way he elevates those around him – that tells you everything you need to know about our captain and how much he cares for this football club,” Voss said.

“Five John Nicholls Medals, the equal most alongside any player to have worn the Navy Blue, is an incredible honour and Patrick is well and truly deserving of his place in our Club’s storied history.

“We speak often as a club around understanding our purpose and Patrick sets that example daily with his mindset. He embraces the responsibility that comes with his role, to inspire those around him and instil pride in our monogram.

“He personifies all the qualities you could ask for in a Carlton person and we know Patrick, along with every one of us, is keen to ensure we carve our collective mark on this football club that will instil a sense of pride in our people.”

Newman made it back-to-back second place finishes – an outstanding achievement for the reliable backman, who has established himself as an integral part of the playing group on and off the field.

A year on from completing an eye-catching 2023, the 31-year-old continued that form into this season, averaging a career-best 23.6 disposals, 8.1 marks and 482 metres gained while also continuing to play a leading role in guiding the group’s emerging players.

Walsh continued a remarkable run in his own right on Sunday, with his third-place finish ensuring the 24-year-old has now finished on the podium in four of the last five vote counts.

The second-year vice captain continues to grow in his leadership role, with his unmatched professionalism and competitive edge a continuous driver amongst the playing group.

After a season of great resilience, George Hewett was deservingly recognised with the Coaches Award on the night. After earning his spot back in the side late in the season, the 28-year-old produced a remarkable run of late form that saw him record 30-plus disposals in four of the last five games.

Elijah Hollands capped off an impressive first year in the Navy Blue, named the Club’s Best Young Player, while Matt Kennedy was deservingly named Best Clubman.

Tom De Koning earned the Spirit of Carlton Award, voted on by past players of the Club for personifying the core values of being a Carlton player both on and off the field.

Carlton President Luke Sayers acknowledged all the award winners on the night for their deserving honours, while looking ahead to what the football club can embrace.

“I humbly speak on behalf of every Carlton person in congratulating our AFL captain on a truly remarkable, record-breaking 2024 season. Patrick has rightly earned every accolade and piece of recognition he has received – our Club is in a great position to launch into the coming years and a significant reason for that is because of the calibre of person we have leading our AFL side onto the field each and every week.

“This game is extremely hard and demands so much of those involved – all our award winners should be extremely proud of their efforts and we thank them for their dedication, commitment and humility as Carlton people in 2024.

“While tonight is about acknowledging the season that was, as a collective we cannot help but look forward to what lies ahead.

“The collective resolve and resilience that is being built at this football club, particularly in recent seasons, will be integral as we step into the next phase in our pursuit of success.”

2024 John Nicholls Medal vote count:

1. Patrick Cripps 204 votes
2. Nic Newman 148
3. Sam Walsh 147
4. Jacob Weitering 144
5. George Hewett 141
6. Blake Acres 122]
7. Tom De Koning 121
8. Harry McKay 117
9. Charlie Curnow 116
10. Matthew Kennedy 110

Award winners:

• Best Clubman: Matt Kennedy
• Best Young Player: Elijah Hollands
• Coaches Award: George Hewett
• Spirit of Carlton Award: Tom De Koning
• Best Finals Player: Patrick Cripps
• Players’ Award: Patrick Cripps
• Carltonians Williams A. Cook Award: Patrick Cripps
• Bill Lanyon Inner Blue Ruthless Award: Patrick Cripps
• Interstate Coterie Award: Nic Newman