Why the number two is significant in Patrick Cripps' historic second Brownlow Medal victory
It's been two years since Patrick Cripps won his first Brownlow, before he joined an elite group of just 12 other V/AFL players who have achieved the same feat before him, winning his second medal on Monday night.
And the number two has a lot to do with Cripps' second Brownlow, which he won in historic fashion, collecting a record 45 votes to cruise to victory.
So, let's break down just how important the number two was for Cripps when he crossed over into football immortality with that second Brownlow Medal.
AS IT HAPPENED: Live coverage from the 2024 Brownlow Medal
READ MORE: Eddie calls for Brownlow night to be moved
READ MORE: Cats great's scatching criticism of 'selfish' Stengle
The last Carlton Brownlow Medallist before Cripps, was the great Chris Judd, he also won two.
It's been two decades since Judd's first win, back in 2004 with the Eagles.
Patrick Cripps of the Blues is embraced by wife Monique Cripps after winning his second Brownlow. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Before that, Carlton great Greg Williams also won two Brownlow Medals. And he wore the number two.
Cripps is the second player named Patrick to win the medal, following behind Geelong skipper and 2016 Brownlow winner, Patrick Dangerfield.
He has also played in two finals series (2023 and 2024), winning two of those September games.
When asked just how much he knew about these stats, Cripps figured out the right answer pretty quickly.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillion raises a glass in honour of 2024 Brownlow Medallist Patrick Cripps. Getty
"How many times this year have you had 40+ (disposals)?," Hamish McLachlan asked at Crown Melbourne.
"Ah, two, yep?," Cripps laughed back.
"How many jumpers have you worn at Carlton?," McLachlan continued.
"Yep, two," Cripps said.
But when he was asked one final question, Cripps was a bit stumped.
Brownlow Medal 2024 in pictures: Controversial star Jack Ginnivan's appearance raises confusion
Brownlow Medal 2024 in pictures: Controversial star Jack Ginnivan's appearance raises confusion
"Tony Lockett, the last full forward to win (the Brownlow). How many times did 'Plugga' kick eight (goals) and not get the three votes?," McLachlan asked.
Cripps went with the safe option again.
"I'm guessing you're saying two," he said.
"26, I just wanted to mention it," McLachlan laughed, sending the Crown Melbourne crowd into hysterics.
The 12 other V/AFL players to have won two Brownlow Medals are Ivor Warne-Smith (Melbourne), Bill Hutchison (Essendon), Roy Wright (Richmond), Keith Greig (North Melbourne), Peter Moore (Collingwood and Melbourne), Greg Williams (Sydney and Carlton), Robert Harvey (St Kilda), Adam Goodes (Sydney), Chris Judd (West Coast, Carlton), Gary Ablett Junior (Geelong and Gold Coast), Lachie Neale (Brisbane) and Nat Fyfe (Fremantle).
Patrick Cripps poses with his 2024 Brownlow Medal. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Brownlow 2024 top 10:
1st: Patrick Cripps (Carlton) - 42 votes
2nd: Nick Daicos (Collingwood) - 38 votes
3rd: Zak Butters (Port Adelaide) - 29 votes
4th: Caleb Serong (Fremantle) - 28 votes
4th: Isaac Heeney (Sydney) - 28 votes (ineligible)
6th: Tom Green (GWS) - 27 votes
7th: Adam Treloar (Bulldogs) - 26 votes
8th: Errol Gulden (Sydney) - 25 votes
8th: Matt Rowell (Suns) - 25 votes
10th: Jai Newcombe (Hawthorn) - 24 votes
