The indefatigable half-forward bounced back from a three-month stint on the sidelines recovering from a fractured ankle in fine style last year and is showing no signs of slowing down entering his 14th season in the League. Cripps inspired the stunning round 23 upset win against the Western Bulldogs with five-straight majors at Marvel Stadium and has become a key mentor for protégé Noah Long, who plays a similar role as a hard-working and crafty small forward. He signed a contract last year taking him through until at least the end of 2025 and continues to set an excellent example with his elite workrate and professionalism. Cripps needs 32 goals in 2024 to notch his 300th major for the club.
At a glance: Junior club: Northampton (WA). Debut: Round 6, 2011 (St Kilda), Round 1, 2013 (West Coast). Recruited from: East Fremantle (WA), Brownlow votes: 12.
