Patrick Cripps has wowed the footy world in just his second season, but how do his first 20 AFL games compare statistically to those of dual Brownlow medallist Chris Judd, who burst onto the scene with West Coast in 2002?

The answer: quite remarkably.

After playing a mentoring role for Cripps in the pre-season, Judd has been eclipsed by his protégé over a first-20-games period, trailing the young Blues midfielder in average disposals (16.5 to 20.8), contested possessions (7.85 to 12.1), clearances (2.55 to 5.7), tackles (2.95 to 4.9) and marks (2.35 to 2.95).

If that wasn’t enough, Cripps’ last two games have seen him notch up career-highs of 35 disposals (Round 19) and 13 clearances (Round 20) in a midfield without Judd, Bryce Gibbs and Dale Thomas.

Judd vs Cripps - the first 20 games. (Graphic: Carlton Football Club)

The 20-year-old’s steep trajectory under trying circumstances has been simply stunning, and a feat not lost on his teammates.

“He’s a star, I mean we knew he was a great player but he’s surprised me a lot with just how quickly he’s risen,” defender Zach Tuohy said in June.

“He’s as hard as they come and he’s just a tackling machine – he’s exactly the kind of player you want in and under the packs.”
Blues veteran Kade Simpson echoed Tuohy’s sentiments in a press conference last week.

“He’s (Cripps) going to be a superstar. He’s got a good head on his shoulders and has just worked so hard since he arrived here,” Simpson said.

Carlton hasn’t had a Rising Star winner since the award’s inception in 1993, but that wait could end in early September when the 2015 winner is announced.

Regardless of the outcome, it must be remembered that there are many superstars who didn’t win the award but went on to forge truly magnificent careers – Judd included.