Northampton gun Patrick Cripps has thrust himself into Brownlow contention, calls for McVee in the midfield

Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps’ form has him sitting as one of the frontrunners in the Brownlow Medal race. The Blues captain and Northampton export received another 10 coaches votes in the win against Richmond, putting him at 68 votes for the year and fifth in the league. During his Brownlow year in 2022, Cripps finished with 86 votes. Cripps has been one of the most in-form players in the league, dominating last week with 40 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 14 clearances, nine inside-50s and eight score involvements. He now has the second-best betting odds for the Brownlow at $4.50, sitting just behind the outright favourite Collingwood’s Nick Daicos at $4. His form is looking up from his 2022 Brownlow year, with his Champion Data rating up from 16 in 2022 to 18 this year, with his disposals and tackle numbers all up from 2022 as well. He will have another chance to poll votes when Carlton take on GWS in the Saturday night match in Sydney. A player who will look to shake off his performance from last week is former Coorow-Latham Magpie Logan McDonald, after his nightmare wayward after-the-siren shot at goal. Swans coach John Longmire has backed in McDonald since the sprayed shot. “He’s OK, it’s just one of those things you learn about, just to stick to your routine,” Longmire said. “It certainly wasn’t the sole reason we lost the game, absolutely not.” McDonald will look for redemption when Sydney take on St Kilda on Sunday. As Melbourne continue a downward spiral, their answer could already be in house with Rovers export Judd McVee. Experts in the media are calling for the defender to spend time in the midfield. “I watch this kid play at Melbourne. I know they have settled him into a position and he’s very good at what he does, but for me McVee is a walk-up start to play in the midfield,” Tim Watson said on SEN Breakfast last month. “He would give them a point of difference that they don’t currently have in their midfield.” Garry Lyon added on SEN Breakfast: “He is a super player, Judd McVee . . . second year, he’s had a year and a half of senior footy and hopefully the progression will come at some stage for him down the line.” McVee has become a staple in the Demons back line, playing every game since his debut in round one last season. With the Demons looking for a spark after falling to 12th on the ladder, McVee could be an option. He will be lined up against a WA side when West Coast travel to the MCG for a Sunday clash. The Eagles have their own problems to deal with after a poor showing against Hawthorn last week. Liam Ryan and Tyler Brockman both found themselves in the midfield and Brockman had a strong start to the game but tailed off towards the end, like most the of the side. Along with Jamie Cripps, whose output struggled once the game got out of hand for the home side. Fremantle, on the other hand, would be feeling up and about after their big win against Sydney and now get to play a lacking Richmond side. During the victory, former Railways player Jaeger O’Meara had 15 disposals, four marks, three clearances and kicked a vital goal. In the early Saturday slot, Northampton’s Brynn Teakle will be chasing his first win with his new side North Melbourne. He has played in three losses but they are at home against Gold Coast this week, who have struggled to play on the road this year.