MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 23: Patrick Cripps of the Blues celebrates a goal during the 2018 AFL round 14 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Carlton Blues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 23, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Carlton have locked away young superstar Patrick Cripps on a two-year deal, which will see the 23-year-old remain a Blue until at least the end of the 2021 season.

Cripps is one of the Brownlow Medal favourites for 2018, after a stellar season averaging 28.7 disposals, 7.4 clearances, 5.9 tackles and 3.7 inside 50s.

“This club is a second home to me and the friends I’ve made at Carlton are like family, so I never had any intention to leave,” Cripps told carltonfc.com.au.

“The support the Club has given me since I arrived has been exceptional and I want to repay the belief they’ve shown in me over the past five years.

“We’ve got a great group of coaches at the Blues and I know my game will continue to improve under ‘Bolts’. He’s had a huge, positive impact on my career as well as my teammates.

“You play football to achieve team success, and as a group, we’re committed to putting in the hard work to get the results. In spite of some challenging realities on-field this season, we’re a very tight-knit group and I’ve never been more determined to help this side achieve the ultimate success soon.”