Patrick Cripps says Nick Daicos will win the Brownlow as he reveals he would trade his medals for an AFL flag

Patrick Cripps denies he has a rivalry with Nick Daicos as the two-time Brownlow medal winner said the Collingwood star would win the medal in the near future.

Speaking after a night of celebrations - following his record win by polling the most votes (45) in the award’s history - Cripps was humble about pipping Daicos.

The Flagpie finished seven votes behind Cripps on 38 votes and also eclipsed the previous record of 36 votes which Cripps smashed.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a rivalry, more a Collingwood-Carlton rivalry than anything,” Cripps said.

“He’s a star, I felt for him last night because he polled well. He is only 21, he’s come second twice now. I have no doubt he will win one.

“It would be hard for him to break the record himself and not win. I know he will be driven to keep getting better, he’s special already.”

The Blues superstar said he would trade his two Brownlows for something Daicos does have - an AFL flag.

“I would trade both for a flag. It’s what everyone dreams of. There’s something about that last day in September,” he said.

“When you watch it and the buzz everyone gets when they win one looks like the most fun.

“You talk to anyone who has won one and they say the same thing. When you see anyone’s face who has won a grand final it looks like the best thing they have ever done in their life.”

The 29-year-old said last night 2024 had been his most consistent season, but the Carlton captain added his leadership remains a work in progress.

Speaking on stage after the count, Cripps said coach Michael Voss had sent him a podcast featuring former Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury in the wake of last year’s grand final.

Pendlebury had been immense as the Magpies beat Brisbane in an epic clash, particularly late in the match, and his reflections made Cripps realise the standard he is yet to reach.

“He talked about the last few minutes of the grand final and just talking about his mindset, late, to control the game on the field,” he said.

“I’m not at that level yet. So that’s something I need to get to work on.

“As a player you can get the best out of yourself, but when you’re a leader, how can you get the best out of the team as well?

“I actually felt that helped my consistency this year.”

Cripps was born in 1995, the same year as the Blues’ last premiership. After promising much this season, they bowed out in the elimination final.

“We’re a good club at the moment, but not a great club - yet. We feel like we can be a great club,” Cripps said.

“We have a bit of work to do. I know we can do amazing things.”

Cripps spoke of Voss taking the club forward, noting the coach’s storied history as the three-time Brisbane premiership captain.

With last year’s winner Lachie Neale staying in Brisbane to prepare for the grand final against Sydney, Voss presented Cripps with his medal.

“For me, personally, he’s a guy who’s done it. He’s been a great mentor and a great friend,” Cripps said.

He also jokingly referred to his coach as “Rambo” after Voss famously made a citizen’s arrest last month.

Voss equally was full of praise for his captain in a note to members after the Brownlow count, saying Cripps is one of the club’s greatest players.

In his third season as captain, Cripps was named vice-captain in his fourth All-Australian team.

Such was his domination in the Brownlow count, he polled more than the rest of Carlton combined (42) and more than three bottom clubs - North Melbourne (42), West Coast (20) and Richmond (19).

He had 12 three-vote games and polled 45 out of a possible maximum of 69, becoming the first player to win two Brownlows at Carlton and the 17th multiple winner of the award.

The West Australian native said as he grew up, he was inspired by West Coast greats and fellow Brownlow Medallists Chris Judd and Ben Cousins.

“I know I’m in a position to inspire other kids and I don’t take that lightly,” he said.

Since his first Brownlow, he has married Monica and they have had a baby daughter, Koda.

“I’m at the stage of my life when I know who the people in my corner are,” Cripps said.

“Life’s short, so get after it.”

With AAP