9. PATRICK CRIPPS

THE curtain has been drawn on an unprecedented 2020 season for the Navy Blues.

Trading Ikon Park for 10 different hotel hubs across Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, it’s been a year we won’t soon forget.

With the final siren having rung on the final game, it’s time to look at those who featured in five or more games for Carlton or made their AFL debuts in 2020.

Here’s the year that was for Carlton’s Patrick Cripps.

GAMES

2020: 17
Career: 118

GOALS

2020: 7
Career: 64


KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets):

Disposals: 334 (19.6) Marks: 40 (2.3) Contested possessions: 202 (11.8) Tackles: 81 (4.8) Clearances: 101 (5.9)


OVERVIEW

The skipper put together a formidable season, not missing a game for the entire year.

Leading the Club alongside Sam Docherty in what will be known as one of the most tumultuous seasons in history, Cripps had the task of keeping his side energised and focussed while they travelled Australia from hub to hub.


The 2019 AFLPA MVP kept up his high midfield rate, alongside Will Setterfield and Ed Curnow, topping the total centre clearances for the league and ranking second for total clearances overall.

BEST PERFORMANCE

Cripps’ best performance came in the Blues trip down the highway to Geelong against the Cats in Round 3.

The co-captain gathered 24 disposals, 12 clearances, laid five tackles and slotted two goals as the Blues scrapped for a memorable two-point win.

Cripps showed his class not only in the midfield but also in the forward line, giving the Blues their game high 42-point lead in the third quarter.


SEASON HIGHLIGHT

When facing an emerging Adelaide side in Round 17, Cripps led an impressive play clearing the ball from the center, resulting in a running goal that put Carlton only four-points behind going into the final term.

The goal itself earned Cripps a well-deserved ‘Goal of the Year’ nomination for Round 17.

THEY SAID IT

When commentary started floating around about the treatment of Cripps, he responded in his usual humble fashion.

“I go out there and play and enjoy the contest. I’m going to hunt the ball, get after the man and try and play my role for the team to win,” Cripps said.

“I’m just enjoying winning games of footy and seeing guys like ’Setters’ and Matty Kennedy playing some really impressive footy.”