**AFL Star Secures Prestigious Honor with Record-Breaking Performance**
In a dominating display, Carlton’s Patrick Cripps has taken home his second AFL Brownlow Medal, amassing an unprecedented 45 votes to secure the top honor. The 29-year-old becomes the first player to win two Brownlows while representing Carlton, building on his previous win two years ago.
Cripps’ remarkable performance saw him take an unbeatable lead with four rounds remaining, leaving Collingwood’s Nick Daicos to finish second with 38 votes, and Port Adelaide’s Zak Butters claiming third with 29 votes. This victory marks the most decisive win since the 2020 season, when Lachie Neale won by 10 votes.
Daicos, who was the second favorite behind Cripps, broke the previous votes record of 36, jointly held by Richmond’s Dustin Martin and Port Adelaide’s Ollie Wines. Cripps equalled the record with his ninth three-vote game in round 19 and went on to poll three votes in three of his last four games, solidifying his dominance.
Renowned for his ability to carry his team to victory in high-pressure situations, Cripps made his fourth All-Australian team this year and joins an elite group of 17 players to have won multiple Brownlows. His impressive performance has cemented his status as one of the greatest players in the game.
Other notable mentions include Sydney star Isaac Heeney, who made a strong start to the count but ultimately fell short due to a round-17 striking suspension. St Kilda’s Robert Harvey, who finished one vote behind Chris Grant in 1996, was also recognized for his achievements.
The evening also saw awards presented for mark of the year, goal of the year, and the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award, highlighting the exceptional talent and dedication of AFL players both on and off the field.
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