CAPTAIN Patrick Cripps has returned to the top of the AFLCA Champion Player of the year award after a dominant display in Round 8.

Cripps was at his very best against Collingwood, finishing the day with 35 disposals (including 19 contested possessions), 13 clearances, seven tackles and a goal in an inspired performance. 

The midfielder’s efforts did not go unnoticed receiving the maximum 10 votes.

Defender Caleb Marchbank was the only other Blue to gain votes this week receiving one vote for his solid game in the Blues’ backline. 

Marchbank finished with 23 disposals, nine marks and eight rebound 50s, proving to be one of the Blues' best on the day. 

It is the second time Cripps has received the maximum amount of votes having polled votes in all but one round so far this year. 

Cripps now sits three votes clear of Geelong’s Tim Kelly at the top of the leader board.