Carlton young gun Patrick Cripps has earned the NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for his stand-out performance in the Blues' Round 4 win over St Kilda.
Cripps was one of the best on ground in the ANZAC Day clash in Wellington last Saturday and he featured in the votes for the Crowl-McDonald Medal.
The big-bodied midfielder gathered 33 disposals, laid 11 tackles and kicked his first-ever AFL goal.
VIDEO: Highlights of Patrick Cripps' stellar performance against the Saints
Carlton coach Mick Malthouse said he was pleased with Cripps’ on-field presence.
"I am absolutely delighted for Patrick Cripps. His performance is testament to his hard work and hunger to be a great footballer," Malthouse said.
"Outside of the fact that he had a great game, he is a terrific young man and one of those people you know will give so much to our football club in terms of leadership and quality."
Cripps made his AFL debut in Round 4 last year, but missed seven games after breaking his leg. Despite the setback Cripps was runner-up in the Northern Blues best and fairest with only 10 VFL games.
The 20-year-old has run out for three AFL matches so far this year.
Hailing from Western Australia, Cripps was Carlton's first round selection (No. 13 overall) in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft.
He was recruited from the Northampton Junior Football Club and East Fremantle, and was named an Under-18 All Australian after a strong 2013 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships for Western Australia.
