The young guns of the AFL will gather at Crown today to find out who will be crowned this year’s Rising Star.

Carlton’s Patrick Cripps is among the favourites after a breakout season that has seen him average 23.6 disposals and 6.65 clearances per game. His stats stand out even further when ranked against the other rising stars*, with Cripps:

• • Ranked 1st among Rising Stars for Total Disposals
• • Ranked 1st among Rising Stars for Total Clearances
• • Ranked 1st among Rising Stars for Contested Possessions
• • Ranked 1st among Rising Stars for Effective Disposals

The 20-year-old has played 23 AFL games since being recruited to Carlton with pick 13 in the 2013 AFL Draft.

Originally from Western Australia, he came to Carlton with strong credentials having been an under-18 All Australian in 2013 and vice-captain of WA in the National Championships.

Upon arrival at Ikon Park, Cripps quickly earned the nickname ‘The Extractor’ and was likened to Greg ‘Diesel’ Williams.

He’s also grown significantly in height over his brief AFL journey; after being drafted at 190cm tall Cripps now stands at 194cm.

The 2015 NAB AFL Rising Star will be announced at approximately 2.30pm today.

*AFL players who qualify for Rising Star status (stats taken from footywire.com)