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Blue Cripps leading Carlton youngbloods

Young Carlton midfielder Patrick Cripps has become the latest player to take out a Rising Star nomination, claiming the Round 4 gong.

The 20-year-old collected 33 disposals (23 contested), 11 tackles, eight clearances and kicked a goal in a near best-on-ground performance in the Blues’ win over St Kilda in New Zealand on Anzac Day.

Cripps, playing just his sixth AFL game, received eight Coaches Association votes to equal Marc Murphy for the best player on the ground.

Cripps was selected with pick 13 in the 2013 National Draft after representing West Australia in the under-18 championships, claiming an All-Australian selection for his efforts.

The strong-bodied midfielder has been touted as a clearance machine and relishes contested situations.

The 192cm midfielder is only the third nomination for Carlton since 2011, joining Dylan Buckley and Troy Menzel, who were nominated last season.

The Blues have 26 nominations since the inception of the award in 1993 and are yet to register a winner.

Rising Star Nominees for 2015

Round 1 – Kamdyn McIntosh (Richmond)

Round 2 – Mitch Honeychurch (Western Bulldogs)

Round 3 – Isaac Heeney (Sydney Swans)

Round 4 – Patrick Cripps (Carlton)