How Brownlow Medal winner Patrick Cripps' wife made a hilarious joke at his expense just before he took out the AFL's biggest individual honour

The wife of Brownlow Medal winner Patrick Cripps showed exactly how she keeps the Carlton AFL star humble moments after arriving at the AFL's night of nights on Monday in Melbourne.

Monique Cripps graced the red carpet with the midfielder and jokingly declared to Channel 7's Abbey Holmes that the 29-year-old had been 'watching his own footy highlights' in a bid to calm his nerves.

A smiling Cripps didn't correct her, stating, 'That's mad, but sometimes [I do watch] yeah.'

In his Brownlow acceptance speech, Cripps - who also won the coveted individual honour in 2022 - paid tribute to his wife and couldn't resist harking back to her earlier joke.

'What you do for our family... you are a special person,' Cripps said.

'I appreciate what you do. Since you've been a mum, you have inspired me and I know Koda (the couple's daughter) is lucky to have you as a mum.

'You are looking beautiful tonight. I think it's the best kit [outfit] you've had so far, so well done. Even though she threw me under the bus at the red carpet.'

Monique Cripps later stated her husband 'is pretty good at home' before adding 'he's actually an amazing dad'.

Cripps polled a record 45 votes to win from Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos on 38 votes, with Port Adelaide midfielder Zak Butters third with 29 votes.

In doing so, Cripps shattered the previous record of 36 votes jointly held by Port Adelaide midfielder Ollie Wines (2021) and Richmond champion Dustin Martin (2017).

He also joined champion midfielders Chris Judd and Greg Williams as dual medallists to have represented Carlton - but became the first to win two Brownlow Medals as a Blues player.

The 29-year-old accepted his medal from coach and 2006 winner Michael Voss after featuring in every game of the campaign where his team finished eighth and played finals footy.

His electric form also saw Cripps earn All-Australian selection for the fourth time in his career.

'I'm in a position to inspire other young kids, and I don't take that lightly,' Cripps said.

'I'm just someone who wants to chase my dreams and I love doing it. To see the impact I've had on young kids coming through, it's pretty special.

'All kids out there, or anyone in general, if you have a dream and work hard at it, you can do amazing things. Life is short, so get after it.'