Patrick Cripps lauded for 'Superman' act as Carlton cops fresh blow in AFL finals push

Patrick Cripps has produced one of his best games this year to place Carlton in the box seat to qualify for the finals, and win the Brownlow Medal, but the Blues were once again hit with more injuries. West Coast looked like they were in the contest for the first quarter with both AFL teams seeking a much-needed win for different reasons.

Although Carlton came out of tunnel on a mission having held the Eagles scoreless in the second-quarter to runaway with a 14.15 (99) to 4.10 (34) win at Optus Stadium. And fans were left in awe of Cripps' performance with many calling for the Carlton ace to take home the Brownlow Medal after his all-round display following his return to Perth.

Cripps produced 35 possessions and 10 clearances as he dominated the game, while George Hewett also racked up 35 disposals. There were suggestions Carlton's team in Perth was a 'second-string' outfit due to the injuries mounting, but Cripps led from the front as Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow were missing for the Blues.

And Dwayne Russell claimed Cripps was writing history and cementing himself as one the Blues' greatest ever. “This is how legends are made,” Russell said on Fox Sports commentary. “You think about Patrick Cripps, they’ve come here no Curnow, McKay, no Saad, De Koning, Cerra’s out, Boyd. And this man has taken control. They’ve put taggers on him – it hasn’t worked.

“The Superman has put his cape on… and they are coming with him.” And he wasn't the only one full of praise for the Carlton leader. Matthew Pavlich praised Cripps for putting in a captain's knock when their season was on the line. “He’s been outstanding - a lot like that man, his coach in many ways,” he praised.

“In the big moments, Michael Voss did it. Now his skipper Patrick Cripps is doing the same. I’m not sure we can do anything more and just applaud. It’s been more than (his stats). He right from the word go set the tone with his effort.

“He’s been more desperate than his West Coast opponents. We always talk about his ability to win clearance, but it’s about actually being involved in score. Yes, he’s won a lot of contested possessions but it’s been out the first bubble almost that’s he’s had his most influence."

Patrick Cripps firms as Brownlow Medal favourite

Cripps is also the favourite now to win his second Brownlow Medal after potentially earning himself three votes after a standout display. Fans lauded the players ability to lift when the Blues need him as he looks to add another medal to his 2022 achievement.

Carlton were already forced to play debutants Ashton Moir and Cooper Lord, including second-gamer Jaxon Binns, against the Eagles as they deal with a massive injury list. Unfortunately, Corey Durdin (shoulder) and Zac Williams (leg) could be missing next week's clash after hurting themselves against the Eagles.

And coach Voss was full of praise for his team for battling through the trouble to put Carlton in the box seat to play finals footy. "It was huge," Voss said.

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"It's been a big week. From taking stock, I guess, after the game (against Hawthorn) and trying to count the bodies, it was just a really hard week. What I did say was we'll find out a little bit about us as a footy team and as a footy club.

"I just thought the response was outstanding. It was a really well-connected performance. We didn't rely on one individual to get it done, although there were some individual outstanding performances. But it took a squad. And when I mean it took a squad, it took the whole squad to be able to get that one done."

Carlton's win (13-9) sees them move above Fremantle into eighth spot. A win next week will guarantee them finals footy in 2024, but a loss could see Fremantle jump above them on percentage if they grab points.