Northampton’s Patrick Cripps enters Brownlow Medal favouritism as Mid West players prepare for key clashes

Northampton’s Patrick Cripps will be looking to continue his impressive season this weekend, as he enters outright favouritism for the AFL’s highest individual honour. The bookies have the 29-year-old, who played game 200 last week, as favourite to take home the Brownlow Medal, following Sydney Swan Isaac Heeney’s suspension. The numbers suggest he’s on track, with his efforts consistent to his output two years ago where he took home the gong for the game’s best and fairest. His average disposals (28.6 compared to 28.1 in 2022), tackles (5.4 compared to five), and clearances (8.1 compared to 7.7) have all improved to be better than the year he won the Brownlow. Towns’ Jack Martin is gearing for a return to the Carlton seniors, following a return from a calf injury in the VFL. He claimed 10 disposals, three tackles, and two marks, but will spend this week in the reserves as he builds his match fitness. Meanwhile, Chapman Valley’s Jack Carroll has been named on the extended bench after some strong form in the twos. The Blues will name their final team on Friday afternoon. Carlton will be up against Northampton Ram Brynn Teakle’s North Melbourne on Sunday afternoon at Marvel Stadium. Teakle’s side will be looking to improve after going down to Coorow-Latham product Logan McDonald’s Sydney Swans by 79 points last week. McDonald will be playing in arguably the match of the round, when the Swans take on the Brisbane Lions at the GABBA. The 22-year-old kicked four goals last week, and will be important to his side taking the chocolates come Sunday. On Saturday afternoon, the West Coast Eagles head to Marvel Stadium to take on the Saints, with a couple of Mid West players hitting form. Rover Liam Ryan played one of the best games in his career so far to celebrate his 100th game, with a career-high 21 disposals, nine marks and two goals. Northampton’s Jamie Cripps also had a strong day out in the loss to the Lions, having helped quell the influence of the in-form Dayne Zorko. However, Tyler Brockman won’t be on the plane, after picking up a syndesmosis injury during the clash. Rovers’ product Judd McVee’s Melbourne will head to Perth to take on Railways’ Jaeger O’Meara and Fremantle on Sunday afternoon. The 20-year-old McVee is proving to be an important part of the Demons’ squad, amassing a career-high 23 disposals on the weekend to help his side defeat Essendon.