Great tips big future for Cripps

PATRICK Cripps is a “monster” with the ability to become one of the all-time greats of the game, says dual Brownlow medal winner Greg Williams.

Carlton co-captain Cripps’ All-Australian season has been rewarded with the AFL Players’ Association Most Valuable Player nod, ahead of Cat Tim Kelly and Lions ballwinner Lachie Neale.

Williams, who won two Brownlow Medals and two AFLPA MVP awards in his 250-game career, has worked closely with the Leigh Matthews Trophy winner throughout his career and said the Blues bull would be his first pick as the league’s most valuable player.

“It’s pretty obvious where he is already,” Williams told the AFLPA. “You’ve got guys like [Nat] Fyfe, [Patrick] Dangerfield and [Lachie] Neale at the top of their games.

“But if you had to pick one, and it’s a bloody hard pick, I’d be picking Cripps. He’s already got superstar status, but it’s a longevity thing as well. He wants to do it for a long time and hopefully he can get through his career without many injuries and become one of the all-time greats.”

Meanwhile, Harris Andrews’ stature as one of the game’s best young players has been further stamped, with the key Lion named the captain of the AFLPA 22Under22 outfit.

The Brisbane defender was this week named as the All-Australian full back with his whirlwind week continuing with yet another gong.

“To be named as captain alongside three Brisbane teammates and quality young players is a huge honour," Andrews said.

"It's wonderful to be recognised by the fans for my work this season and hopefully I can continue that into the finals series.”