In the annals of Carlton Football Club, the unwavering leadership of Patrick Cripps reverberates through the stands, inspiring awe and admiration within the Blues faithful. With each stride he takes, the skipper’s unwavering determination and relentless spirit ignite a burning ember within the hearts of his teammates. Among those mesmerized by Cripps’ indomitable will is defender Liam Jones. “He’s just an absolute marvel,” Jones uttered, his voice laced with awe. “The way he leads the boys, it’s something special to behold.” Throughout the grueling preseason, Cripps’ influence has shone brightly. His unwavering work ethic, coupled with his infectious enthusiasm, has galvanized the team, forging a bond that transcends the boundaries of the playing field. “He’s always one of the first on the track and the last to leave,” Jones observed. “He sets the standard, and we all strive to match it.” But it is on match day that Cripps’ true brilliance manifests. With the roar of the crowd reverberating through the stadium, the captain transforms into a beacon of hope, driving his teammates to heights they never thought possible. “He has an uncanny ability to lift the team,” Jones explained. “There are times when things aren’t going our way, but he always finds a way to turn it around.” Cripps’ leadership qualities extend beyond the physical realm, permeating the very fabric of Carlton’s culture. He embodies the club’s values of resilience, determination, and unwavering belief. “He’s a true leader on and off the field,” Jones said. “He’s always there to support his teammates, no matter what.” As the Blues embark on their 2023 campaign, Liam Jones stands firmly behind his skipper, marveling at the transformative power that Patrick Cripps brings to the Carlton Football Club. With such an inspirational leader at the helm, the future holds boundless possibilities for the Navy Blues.Carlton defender Nic Newman is in awe of Patrick Cripps as the Blues captain eyes a second Brownlow Medal in three seasons.Carlton defender Nic Newman is in awe of Patrick Cripps as the Blues captain eyes a second Brownlow Medal in three seasons. Cripps is arguably having a better campaign than in 2022 when he claimed the AFL’s highest individual honor in dramatic fashion. The 29-year-old is coming off a stellar 40 possession, 14 clearance masterclass in Carlton’s 61-point demolition of Richmond at the MCG on Sunday. Cripps has signed as second favorite for the Brownlow, behind only Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos. After years of toiling away in a struggling team, Cripps is reaping the rewards as Carlton sits second as they look to improve on a breakthrough final berth last year. “It’s a bit of a marvel to watch – sometimes at half-back you just watch him and ‘Walshy’ (Sam Walsh) go to work at the center clearances and it’s pretty nice as a defender to see them running out of the center bouncing, kicking goals,” Newman said on Tuesday. “It’s no secret if you followed him around for a week and see the way he prepares and the amount of work he puts in. “He gets everything he deserves so it’s good to see him playing some good footy.” Carlton will travel for a return clash with GWS at Engie Stadium on Saturday. The Blues took down the Giants by 19 points back in round six when GWS were premiership favorites after a stunning start to the season. But the Giants have fallen to 10th in a concerning slump that has them battling just to make it to the end of this year. “Footy changes so quickly, within a couple of weeks the narrative can be completely different,” Newman admitted. “We’re doing a really good job as a footy club to keep our focus narrow and look at what’s right in front of us rather than looking too far ahead.” Newman has had a lockdown job with GWS captain Toby Greene in recent times, but the 31-year-old was coy when asked if he would be in for another job with the Giants star. “I’m not sure who will get that matchup (on Greene) but no doubt there will be times where we all have to spend some time on him.” Carlton will be hoping defender Jordan Boyd can make the trip to Sydney, after being suspended for one game for making forceful front-on contact with Richmond’s Rhyan Mansell. Boyd is challenging the ban at the tribunal on Tuesday night.Carlton’s veteran defender Liam Jones has heaped praise on captain Patrick Cripps, describing him as the most dominant player in the AFL. Jones, who has played alongside Cripps for the past eight seasons, said the 27-year-old was “unstoppable” at times. “He’s the most dominant player in the competition,” Jones said. “He’s so strong and physical, and his endurance is incredible. He can just keep going all day. “He’s also a great leader. He’s always setting the example on and off the field.” Cripps has been in outstanding form this season, averaging 32 disposals, eight clearances and six tackles per game. He has also kicked 10 goals, including a bag of five against the Western Bulldogs in Round 10. Jones said Cripps’ performances had been a major factor in Carlton’s resurgence this season. “He’s been a huge part of our success this year,” Jones said. “He’s been leading from the front and setting the standard for the rest of the team. “We’re lucky to have him.”