‘They inspired me to chase my dream’: The players Brownlow winner Cripps looked up to growing up

Growing up in Western Australia, it was Chris Judd and Ben Cousins who inspired young Patrick Cripps.

Cripps, speaking on the podium after his incredible 45-vote effort, thanked them in his speech - and vowed to also try and inspire young kids.

“It’s probably a full-circle moment. We actually had the lunch today and there was eight Brownlow Medallists in the room. I spoke. There was Juddy, Cousins a lot of other guys in the room. They’re the two I looked to growing up,” he said.

Legends: Patrrick Cripps is embraced by fellow Blues great John Nicholls.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images

They inspired me to chase my dream and I said, in the lunch, it’s now … I know I’m in the position to inspire young kids.

I don’t take that lightly. We’re just ordinary people trying to chase our dreams and do extraordinary things. That’s how we see it. I just see myself like that. I’m someone that wants to chase my dreams. I love doing it. Now I know the impact I have on young kids coming through. It’s pretty special.

Lachie Neale of the Brisbane Lions and wife Jules Neale.Credit: via Getty Images

Cam Rayner of the Lions and Elise Gosdschan.Credit: via Getty Images

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That’s all we have from a wonderful Brownlow Medal night.

This blog has included the work of scores of our journalists from across our newsroom along with the behind-the-scenes contributions of our producers, sub-editors and those who helped get our live scoreboard up and running once again.

Big thanks to Melissa Singer, Jon Pierik and Scott Spits for leading the coverage and an even bigger thank you to all your readers who followed along throughout the day and night.

We will have much more AFL grand final coverage across our sport pages this week so please stay with us as we count down to the grand final and our live blog for the season decider between Sydney and Brisbane.

Bye for now.

Patrick Cripps of the Blues kisses his Brownlow Medal.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images

Patrick Cripps spoke with warmth and humility. He was gracious and, as with his handballs, hit the mark every time. If a champion is one who plays for others, Cripps encapsulates that.

Before we close the blog tonight, be sure to check out this week’s Age Real Footy podcast, previewing Saturday’s grand final.

Jake Niall, Libby Birch and Michael Gleeson take you through the big talking points for the lead up to the big game.

In a note to club members, Carlton coach Michael Voss says Patrick Cripps is “among the greatest players this game has seen”.

“I speak on behalf of the entire Carlton Football Club when I say how proud we are of Patrick and deservingly etching his name further among the greatest players this game has seen,” Voss said.

Dual winner: Patrick Cripps.Credit: Getty Images

Tonight, he makes history, as the first to win the Brownlow Medal twice as a Carlton player, an incredible achievement that creates his own unique chapter in the history of our football club.

Patrick has had a remarkable season. A first-class player and even more impressive leader, he always has a team-first approach, someone who always has the mindset of how to make the playing group better.

Whilst many get to see the incredible work he does on the field, as a coach, his most impressive quality is the hard work he puts into others, the dedication and time he takes with his teammates, the guidance he provides to our emerging leaders – all dedicated towards his driving ambition of earning team success.

We are so lucky to have a person with such outstanding character at our club and couldn’t be happier for him to be awarded this honour not once but twice.

Defying predictions of a tight count, and counter-intuitively to a season in which so little separated so many – and so often – Carlton superstar Patrick Cripps strolled away with his second Brownlow Medal. With a record 45 votes, including an astonishing 12 best on grounds, it was a rout.

Cripps led the count by as many as 11, and despite Carlton’s late fade out still caught the umpires’ eye often enough to prevail handsomely. Joint favourite, Collingwood’s Nick Daicos, finished second for the second year in a row, with 38 votes.

Stunning victory: Patrick Cripps.Credit: Getty Images

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Cripps had a playful comment about his wife Monique after an apparent barb during the red carpet that Cripps loves watching his own highlights.

But he soon had praise for his wife’s outfit this evening and her care for their baby Koda.

Patrick Cripps of the Blues and wife Monique Cripps.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images

“Lastly to my wife Mon you are looking beautiful tonight. I think it’s the best kit you ever had so far,” Cripps said.

“Well done. Even though she threw me under the bus at the red carpet and told everyone I watch the highlights.

“What you do for our family. You are a special person. I appreciate what you do. Since you’ve been a mum you have inspired me and I know Koda is lucky to have you as a mum.”