PATRICK Cripps’ prolific 2019 season has been fittingly rewarded tonight, with the Carlton co-captain voted by his peers as the 2019 AFL Players’ Most Valuable Player.

The midfielder claimed the Leigh Matthews Trophy with 832 votes, joining Carlton champions Greg Williams, Chris Judd and Anthony Koutoufides as winners of the award.

The prestigious award comes just 24 hours after Cripps earned back-to-back selection in the Virgin Australia All Australian side.

The Blues dominated the AFLPA awards on Thursday night. In addition to Cripps being named the AFL Players’ Most Valuable Player, Sam Walsh was also named Best First Year player following an incredible debut season.

Walsh, Jacob Weitering and Harry McKay were also selected by the fans in the AFL Players’ Association’s 22Under22 side. Weitering and Walsh were also among the nominees for the AFLPA MVP.

Three young Blues shine.



Weiters, Walshy and McKay have made it into the @AFLPlayers 2019 #22Under22 side, as voted by the fans. #BoundByBlue — Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) August 29, 2019

Cripps asserted himself as one of the premier players in the competition this season, averaging 28 disposals, 17 contested possessions, nine clearances and six tackles, while also kicking 13 goals across his 20 appearances.

The dual John Nicholls Medallist led the way for the Blues with 560 disposals and led the competition averages for centre clearances, stoppage clearances and clearances.

The 24-year-old collected 30 possessions or more on nine occasions, including a career-high 39 disposals and 19 clearances against the Crows in Round 19, and a spirited 37-disposal, four-goal display against the Brisbane Lions in Round 12.

Fellow Blues co-captain Sam Docherty said the Club was thrilled to see Cripps reap the rewards for his consistent season.

“Crippa has been outstanding this year and to see him recognised by his fellow players as the Most Valuable Player in the competition says a lot about the respect he has throughout the AFL,” Docherty said.

“His ability to win the ball in and around the contest is second to none, as is his ability to read the game and sense when he needs to step up and take charge.

“It is scary to think that he has only just played 100 games and I have no doubt with his work ethic and drive, his best footy is still to come.”