Carlton Media chooses its top-five player stats from the Blues' 19-point loss to St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Saturday:

Patrick Cripps
Career-high 4 contested marks

It was a complete performance from Patrick Cripps, who Champion Data ranked as the No.1 player. The young gun recorded game-highs for contested possessions (20) and contested marks (4) – the latter a new career-high. His ability to impose himself on the contests, whether they be on the ground or in the air, was remarkable. 

Marc Murphy
Game-high 28 pressure acts

Marc Murphy was damaging in attack, but his defensive output was equally impressive. The Blues’ skipper led the way in another high-pressure performance from his team, finishing with a game-high 28 pressure acts, including five tackles. 

Kade Simpson
Game-high 620m gained

Kade Simpson recorded the most kicks (21) of any player, so it was no surprise to see him finish with a game-high 620m gained. He was involved in almost one-third of Carlton’s scoring chains, with his ability to set up his teammates by foot once again crucial.

Sam Docherty
Equal game-high 10 intercepts

Sam Docherty put on a masterclass for intercept work, recording an equal game-high 10 intercepts (including five intercept marks) alongside St Kilda’s Jake Carlisle. Three of those intercepts came from contested marks – numbers more akin to a key-position player than a rebounding defender.

Matthew Kreuzer
Team-high 2 goal assists

Matthew Kreuzer shone on his 28^th birthday, finishing with 19 disposals, five clearances and a team-high two goal assists. Consistency has been the hallmark of the big man’s game this season, with Saturday no exception.