CRIPPS, BLUES BELT CROWS

CARLTON stormed into the top four and Patrick Cripps continued his Brownlow Medal charge with authority after a crushing win over Adelaide edged the dormant Blues beast closer to eruption.

The rejuvenated Charlie Curnow also put on a key forward clinic, booting six goals, taking 10 marks (four contested) and amassing 21 disposals in a dominant display throughout.

Captain Cripps – leading the much-hyped “Carlton crew” midfield – shook off early attention from young Adelaide midfielder Jackson Hately, producing another explosive performance that would likely leave him among the top vote-getters in the Brownlow count to this point.

After a lacklustre loss to Greater Western Sydney last week, the Crows were sluggish again, particularly in the third quarter when they conceded six goals.