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Patrick Cripps wins Brownlow Medal in thrilling count but he almost missed the entire thing

Patrick Cripps has joined one of his great idols Chris Judd as a Carlton Brownlow medallist after one of the event’s greatest counts — but he came close to missing it altogether.

Scott GullanScott Gullan
@gullanHeraldSun
14 min read
September 19, 2022 - 8:20AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
Patrick Cripps with the Brownlow Medal.
Patrick Cripps with the Brownlow Medal.

Patrick Cripps has had a solid 48 hours.

On Friday he was soaking up the rays in Santorini, last night he was soaking up the limelight inside Crown Casino as the 2022 Brownlow Medallist.

It’s a good thing the planes from the Greek Islands — he was there for a cousin’s wedding — were running on time as he only arrived back in Melbourne late on Saturday night.

“I got in last night,” he said.

“Obviously with the Queen passing it wasn’t ideal – obviously a sad loss – but I was hoping it was going to get moved to Tuesday so I would get a few more days to get over the jetlag.

“We got in last night. It was fine for me, it was more my partner.”

But Cripps’ timing has been on point all year and there it was again in the vote count.

As expected he’d jumped out of the blocks early but he needed a best-on-ground performance in the last round of the season to get Charlie around his neck.

The stats said he was a big chance - 35 disposals including 27 contested possessions - and thankfully that was enough to get the three votes from the umpires in a one-point loss to Collingwood.

It lifted him above Brisbane superstar Lachie Neale to claim the prestigious award and join Chris Judd, one of his idols, as a Carlton Brownlow Medallist.

Neale has had a dirty 48 hours.

A preliminary final thrashing on Friday night and then he had a second Brownlow almost within his grasp when he got a surprise one vote in the final round against Melbourne despite the Lions being thrashed by 58 points.

SCROLL DOWN TO RECAP THE TALKING POINTS FROM THE 2022 BROWNLOW MEDAL COUNT

SEE EVERY VOTE: BROWNLOW TRACKER, CLUB-BY-CLUB

Sam Docherty congratulates Patrick Cripps. Picture: Mark Stewart
Sam Docherty congratulates Patrick Cripps. Picture: Mark Stewart

A round earlier Gold Coast captain Touk Miller jumped into the joint lead with Neale but despite the Suns thrashing North Melbourne in the final round he failed to poll.

It was that sort of count with all the favourites having their moments.

Fremantle young gun Andrew Brayshaw looked like he was going to win it at one stage while Melbourne pair Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca chewed up plenty of three votes but probably cost each other over the journey.

Early doors the Cripps supporters choked on their first beer when he didn’t get the three votes in the season opener against Richmond.

The Blues skipper got the full 10 in the AFL Coaches Association award for 30 touches and three goals but that was only good enough for one vote.

Patrick Cripps with his new accessory.
Patrick Cripps with his new accessory.

New recruit Adam Cerra got the three Brownlow votes from umpires Brett Rosebury, Hayden Gavine and Nathan Williamson.

While he quickly bounced back to get three votes in the next five games he played in - he was injured in Round 4 and missed the following week - the damage was done.

Although to be fair he grabbed a couple of unexpected votes later with two votes in the Blues loss to Richmond in Round 14 where he had just nine kicks in his 34 disposals.

There were a few other quirks for the contenders like Brayshaw not getting a vote in a 35-point over Carlton with 27 touches. (Ironically Cripps got the three).

In the controversial Queen’s Birthday clash where American Mason Cox was surprisingly overlooked for the Neale Daniher Medal, it turns out the judges were half on the money.

They awarded the honour to Oliver but the umpires saw things a lot differently giving Cox one vote, Oliver two and Pies centre half-forward Brodie Mihocek the three votes for a four-goal performance.

A lot of this was lost on most inside Crown Palladium with plenty of players enjoying the free Carlton Draught on offer and it would be remiss not to give Tom Liberatore a shout out here for his servo sunglasses which he donned after polling his first votes midway through the count.

In his final count AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan was lifting also with his trademark pause focusing for reasons unknown everytime Richmond’s Liam Baker got a vote.

Cats star Jeremy Cameron eating watermelon when the camera went to him as he got another best-on-ground was also up there with the highlights.

On a serious note Geelong captain’s Joel Selwood’s speech when receiving the Jim Stynes Award was outstanding and if you’re into signs then Cats fans could say he’s in good form on the speech front ahead of Saturday.

So was Cripps in his acceptance speech where he outlined how bad he used to be at public speaking. But he didn’t miss a beat with Charlie around his neck, signing off in style: “I love playing footy, I love playing with my mates. Thank you.”

Patrick Cripps got the three votes in Round 23 against Collingwood. Picture: Michael Klein
Patrick Cripps got the three votes in Round 23 against Collingwood. Picture: Michael Klein

BROWNLOW MEDAL NIGHT RECAP

DOCHERTY’S TRIBUTE TO CRIPPS

Sam Docherty has paid tribute to teammate and Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps.

“It’s been, as you can probably tell behind us, there is a pretty excited table here. It’s one of my great mates in Crippa,” he said on Channel 7.

“We’ve been together through a hell of a lot of tough stuff. It’s pretty emotional to see him up there tonight. It’s a reward for a lot of years of effort. I’m bloody proud of him as a mate and as a team-mate to see him winning this award tonight.”

Docherty said Carlton was buzzing for Cripps.

“If you know Crippa, you know how invested and passionate he is about our footy club. That’s why he’s taken it so hard over the last few years. We haven’t been the best side. He’s had to wear the brunt of that,” he said.

“To see him go out this year and I will be honest, we’ve been counting the votes are to the whole night. We knew he’d be up early. We hope he’d steal a couple during the middle and towards the back end of the round, he’s an incredible player, an incredible mate and we’re all stoked for him as a whole club.”

CRIPPS CROWNED 2022 BROWNLOW MEDALLIST IN THRILLER

Patrick Cripps is the 2022 Brownlow medallist.

“I actually don’t know whether to laugh or cry. I loved footy growing up as a kid and I remember being at boarding school in WA and I would say to mum could you always sign me out on Brownlow night cause I loved watching it,” he said.

“I can’t put it into words, it’s an absolute honour.

“To be honest it is nice to just win some games.

“The first seven to eight years of my journey at Carlton have been tough but I’ve always been an optimist … this year is the first time we’ve been ahead of the ledger.

“I love playing footy, I love playing with my mates.”

FOUR ROUNDS LEFT: NEALE, BRAYSHAW LEAD

Lachie Neale and Andrew Brayshaw are vying for the Brownlow Medal with five rounds left in the season.

Neale leads the count on 24 votes, equal with Brayshaw after Round 19.

Patrick Cripps is one vote back.

“Yeah, it’s a crazy leaderboard up there. I think I’m out of the running. I don’t poll the last two. So Andy and Cripps finished well. Touk finishes well. It’s going to be a great finish,” Neale said.

‘LIBBA IS A VIBE’: STAR DOG STEALS SHOW

Whoever wins the Brownlow Medal tonight will be celebrated.

But will they have as much fun as Tom Liberatore?

The Western Bulldogs midfielder has stolen the show with several classic reactions to polling votes, including one shot where he was sporting glasses.

We’ll remind you, the Brownlow is an indoor event.

Never change, Libba.

THREE VOTES IN 14 ROUNDS: EAGLES' HORROR STAT

There’s no escaping that it was a tough year for West Coast.

But, the Eagles were hardly noticed by the umpires in the opening 14 rounds, only polling three votes as a team.

Jeremy McGovern polled two in Round 4 when the Eagles stunned Collingwood, but top votes and the one vote went to Collingwood players.

Andrew Gaff polled one vote in a 31-point Round 12 loss to Adelaide.

Josh Kennedy (three votes) and Willie Rioli (one vote) picked up four votes to more than double the Eagles’ tally in Round 15, a 10-point win over Essendon.

GOAL OF THE YEAR: SAM DRAPER

Ruckmen don’t move the way Essendon’s Sam Draper did in the fourth quarter against Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium in July.

The Bombers cult hero bulldozed out of the centre square after the ball-up with the ball in hand, flicked it to teammate Matt Guelfi - who quickly returned it to Draper to kick a memorable goal.

Draper’s sensational piece of play, arguably the brightest moment in a poor year for the Bombers, has won him the AFL’s Goal of the Year Award for the 2022 season.

After he got the ball back from Guelfi, Draper broke a tackle from the Suns’ Charlie Ballard and capped the incredible passage of play with an audacious banana on the run to send the Bombers fans, and his teammates into raptures.

The celebration by Draper nearly topped the goal, which was immediately dubbed a serious contender for the best of 2022.

The Bombers ruckmen will receive the Phil Manassa Medal and $10,000 for his award-winning goal.

Sam Draper celebrates his goal of the year. Photo by Michael Klein
Sam Draper celebrates his goal of the year. Photo by Michael Klein

NEALE ON TRACK FOR RECORD HAUL

The Brownlow Medal count has reached the halfway mark and Lachie Neale has the lead with 19 votes.

With 12 rounds remaining, the Brisbane Lions star and 2020 Brownlow medallist is on track to shatter the 36-vote record set by Dustin Martin and matched by Ollie Wines last year.

Second-placed Patrick Cripps, who is two votes back, told Channel 7: “I think you need over 30 to win the Brownlow. I think Lachie Neale is going well. He’s had a great year. But we’ll see how we go.”

JIM STYNES COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD: JOEL SELWOOD

Geelong captain Joel Selwood hit a number of important milestones this year.

On the field he reached his 350-game milestone and broke league records for the most games and wins as a captain.

While off the field he passed 1000 hours - and that’s just the recorded ones - with his Cat’s Community commitments.

It is this, and his dedication and commitment to community engagement since he began his career 16-years-ago, that has earnt Selwood the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award for 2022.

Despite the challenges posed by Covid this year Selwood contributed over 20 hours of official community commitments delivery the club’s GHMBA Health Heroes program and embraced his role as a lead ambassador.

Selwood also helped empower primary school-aged children in the region to lead healthy, active lifestyles, with an additional focus on mental health and wellbeing.

In addition Selwood played a key role in launching the AFL Barwon region Access All-Abilities Auskick Clinics last November.

“I had two pretty good parents when I was growing up that probably taught me the way growing up in Bendigo, and just the love of being around people, and enjoying company, and, you know, I am a footy club that’s still a community-based side, which makes things a hell of a lot easier,” Selwood said.

Selwood ended his speech with these words: “Let’s aim to have a tiny bit of Jim in us all. The world would be a better place. Thank you.”

Joel and Britt Selwood at the Brownlow Medal.
Joel and Britt Selwood at the Brownlow Medal.

WILL ROUND 1 VOTES COME BACK TO HAUNT CRIPPS?

It’s Lachie Neale and Patrick Cripps setting the pace in the Brownlow Medal, with several other favourites their danger.

Our Herald Sun Brownlow form guide only has Cripps likely to poll in two remaining games with possible votes coming in another four.

Lachie Neale has seven matches where he could poll in the second half of the year, while Touk Miller looms as a bolter with four potential BOG performances from rounds 16-20.

The game which could cost Cripps was all the way back in Round 1, when Carlton finally ended its Richmond hoodoo.

The Blues skipper was favoured to claim three votes after booting three goals and having 30 disposals, but only polled one.

Matthew Kennedy (33 disposals, one goal) grabbed the two votes and recruit Adam Cerra (30 disposals, one goal) was adjudged BOG in his first game for the Blues.

Patrick Cripps celebrates one of his three Round 1 goals.
Patrick Cripps celebrates one of his three Round 1 goals.

ROUND 7 UPDATE: CRIPPS TAKES THE LEAD

Patrick Cripps has opened a three-vote Brownlow Medal lead after seven rounds.

Cripps polled maximum votes in rounds 6 and 7 to move two votes ahead of favourite Lachie Neale at the top.

Christian Petracca is third.

The issue for Cripps will be Carlton’s winning run ends at Round 10 and votes are projected to be hard to come by until rounds 22 and 23.

Can he do enough by Round 11 to break away from the pack?

SEE EVERY VOTE: BROWNLOW TRACKER, CLUB-BY-CLUB

FANS LEFT FUMING BY BROWNLOW’S DELAYED START

Footy fans were fuming as the AFL’s Brownlow Medal dragged towards an 8pm start.

The Brownlow Medal count kicked off after 7.50pm, about 20 minutes before most were expecting the first votes to be read out.

And supporters watching at home did not miss …

Ben Keays (right) is one of the leaders after Round 5.
Ben Keays (right) is one of the leaders after Round 5.

ROUND 5 UPDATE: KEAYS, BRAYSHAW. PETRACCA SHARE LEAD

Ben Keays is a shock equal leader after five rounds on nine votes, equal with Ben Keays and Christian Petracca.

Favourite Lachie Neale is a vote back in outright second.

Players tip Brownlow 2022 winner
Mark of the Year from Mitch Georgiades.
Mark of the Year from Mitch Georgiades.

MARK OF THE YEAR: MITCH GEORGIADES

It was only a matter of time before Mitch Georgiades won the AFL’s Mark of the Year Award.

But the question for the Port Adelaide key forward was which one of his high-flying efforts would win him the award.

The 20-year-old has taken out the Alex Jesaulenko Medal, and the $10,000 prize, for his high-flying effort against Fremantle in Round 16 at Optus Stadium.

As the seconds ticked down in the third quarter the Power’s Jeremy Finlayson kicked the ball into Port’s forward 50.

Georgiades used Dockers defender Brennan Cox as a stepladder to soar high and get his hands on the ball to take an absolute screamer.

ROUND 3 UPDATE: CRIPPS, BRAYSHAW SET PACE

Patrick Cripps and Andrew Brayshaw lead with seven votes after Round 3.

Christian Petracca and Travis Boak have six, while Ben Keays, Lachie Neale and Isaac Heeney are equal third on five.

“It’s been exciting on the table so far,” Cripps’ teammate Sam Walsh said on Channel 7.

LAIDLEY HOPES BRAYSHAW WILL WIN

Dani Laidley says she hopes Andrew Brayshaw wins tonight’s Brownlow Medal count.

The Fremantle star is one of the favourites and Laidley, who is attending the count with partner Donna Leckie, said she hoped he would hold on.

“I think Andrew Brayshaw (will win),” Laidley said on Channel 7.

“Particularly the first two-thirds of his season was outstanding. And I have to say I’m very attached to the Brayshaws, and

“I would love for him to get over the line. Hopefully he can hang on in the last few games to win tonight. I think that’ll be just a wonderful finish to the night.”

Laidley said she had been overwhelmed by the support of the football community as she returns to the Brownlow Medal.

“It’s just been phenomenal and I just said when we came down the stairs that, you know, we are so grateful and overwhelmed for what you’ve done for us,” she said.

Dani Laidley and partner Donna Leckie.
Dani Laidley and partner Donna Leckie.

NEALE PREPARED TO ‘FREELANCE’ IF HE WINS

Brownlow Medal favourite Lachie Neale says he will be “freelancing” on stage if he claims the AFL’s top individual honour for a second time.

Neale told Channel 7 he had not prepared notes despite entering Sunday’s count as a red-hot favourite after a brilliant individual season.

“I never write speeches no matter what the event, I tend to wing it, so if it does happen I’ll be freelancing up there,” Neale said.

Let’s hope he remembers to thank his wife Jules and coach Chris Fagan …

Aaron Naughton of the Bulldogs and housemate Ethan McAleese.
Aaron Naughton of the Bulldogs and housemate Ethan McAleese.
Dani Laidley and partner Donna Leckie.
Dani Laidley and partner Donna Leckie.

HUGE PLUNGE ON TOP CONTENDER OLIVER

Rebecca Williams

One punter slapped $20,000 on Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver on Sunday to take home ‘Charlie’ as money continued to pour in for Brisbane star Lachie Neale to claim his second Brownlow Medal.

The Lions’ ace continues to be the best backed for Sunday night’s count, which he will enter as the $3 favourite to add a second league best and fairest award to his collection.

Oliver remains the second favourite behind Neale at $3.50 with Carlton captain Patrick Cripps on the third line of betting at $5.50.

While Neale, the 2020 Brownlow medallist, remains the clear choice to win the AFL’s top individual honour, Oliver’s chances tickled the fancy of one TAB punter, who dropped $20,000 on the Demons’ midfield general on Sunday.

The substantial bet saw Oliver’s price firm from $3.75 to $3.50.

Clayton Oliver has firmed after a bet of $20,000 with TAB.
Clayton Oliver has firmed after a bet of $20,000 with TAB.

Gold Coast captain Touk Miller also attracted a $4000 bet at $11 on the day of the count.

“TAB punters are still keen on Lachie Neale to take home the Brownlow tonight. He’s been the best backed throughout the day and is a firm favourite with us at $3,” TAB’s Hamish Ferguson said.

“While Neale continues to be the best backed, there has been some significant money for Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver today, with one TAB punter placing $20,000 on the Demons midfielder at $3.75 earlier on.

“One punter is also keeping a close eye on Touk Miller tonight after a $4,000 bet at $11 earlier today.

“While the Suns didn’t win as many games as they hoped this year, it’s hard to see who is taking votes off of the captain.

“It still looks as though it’s a race between three to see who takes home tonight’s medal with Lachie Neale ($3) and Clayton Oliver ($3.50) the two shortest in the market with Patrick Cripps sitting on the third line of betting ($5.50).

“It’s then daylight to the likes of Andrew Brayshaw ($10), Touk Miller ($10) and Christian Petracca ($14).”

Clayton Oliver and Touk Miller were the Coaches Association MVPs.
Clayton Oliver and Touk Miller were the Coaches Association MVPs.

BRONWLOW SIBLING RIVALRY HEATS UP

Sibling rivalry is very real — especially when it comes to the Brownlow Medal.

Angus Brayshaw finished third in the 2018 count as a rank outsider when he was infamously not invited to the event.

But he might have to be prepared to concede the Brayshaw Brownlow mantle to younger brother Andrew tonight.

Fremantle star Andrew is considered one of the favourites in the 2022 count after an incredible season which helped launch the Dockers into finals.

“He’s told me many times, throughout the year actually, that as long as it’s not higher than three he’s happy,” Andrew told Channel 10.

Angus said: “I have come third once upon a time and as long as he doesn’t come second or first … if he has to come something I would rather him win it, if he was second I’d be a little bit dirty.”

Andrew Brayshaw and Lizzie Stock arrive at the Brownlow Medal.
Andrew Brayshaw and Lizzie Stock arrive at the Brownlow Medal.

HOW THE SWANS WILL CELEBRATE

Grand finalist Sydney has remained in the Harbour City as they focus on their preparation for Saturday’s Grand Final.

Hayden McLean, Isaac Heeney, Tom Papley, Annie Milner, Luke Parker, Kate Lawrence, Callum Mills, Tiffany Browne, Chad Warner and Alice Hughes at the Swans Brownlow event.
Hayden McLean, Isaac Heeney, Tom Papley, Annie Milner, Luke Parker, Kate Lawrence, Callum Mills, Tiffany Browne, Chad Warner and Alice Hughes at the Swans Brownlow event.
Luke Parker and Kate Lawrence.
Luke Parker and Kate Lawrence.
Callum Mills and Tiffany Browne.
Callum Mills and Tiffany Browne.

FORGETTING SOMEONE, CHRISTIAN?

Forgetting someone, Christian?

Melbourne star Christian Petracca, considered one of the outside chances for the Brownlow Medal, was quizzed about who he thinks could win Charlie on the red carpet.

He reeled off three of the four favourites, but forgot teammate Clayton Oliver.

“All the guys who are favourites are all awesome people. Touk Miller, Lachie Neale, Andy Brayshaw,” Petracca told Channel 10.

“There’s so many. It’s going to be a close count. Hopefully there’s a draw or something in there, bit of a twist.”

Hopefully things aren’t too awkward at the Demons’ table now …

Clayton Oliver arrives at the Brownlow Medal count. Picture: Mark Stewart
Clayton Oliver arrives at the Brownlow Medal count. Picture: Mark Stewart

FIRST ARRIVALS AS AFL’S NIGHT OF NIGHTS RETURNS

The Grand Final-bound Cats are among the first arrivals on the Brownlow Medal red carpet.

Skipper Joel Selwood, coach Chris Sxott and spearhead Jeremy Cameron have arrived as the AFL’s night of nights is held in earnest for the first time since 2019.

Stay tuned for all the talking points from Crown.

Patrick Cripps and Monique Fontana arrive.
Patrick Cripps and Monique Fontana arrive.
The favourite Lachie Neale is in the building.
The favourite Lachie Neale is in the building.
Josh Dunkley of the Bulldogs and Tippah Dwan.
Josh Dunkley of the Bulldogs and Tippah Dwan.
Connor Rozee and Maisie Packer. Picture: Mark Stewart
Connor Rozee and Maisie Packer. Picture: Mark Stewart
Jeremy Cameron and Indiana Putra.
Jeremy Cameron and Indiana Putra.
Joel and Britt Selwood arrive at the Brownlow Medal count.
Joel and Britt Selwood arrive at the Brownlow Medal count.
Christian Petracca and partner Bella Beischer.
Christian Petracca and partner Bella Beischer.

Originally published as Patrick Cripps wins Brownlow Medal in thrilling count but he almost missed the entire thing

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