Karl Stefanovic’s BRUTAL advice to the Brownlow medal winner

Karl Stefanovic has shared some cheeky advice for AFL star Patrick Cripps who appeared a little worse for wear during an early morning live TV interview.

The Carlton skipper admitted he had enjoyed a late night out to celebrate being named the 2022 Brownlow medallist on Sunday night.

A visibly tired Cripps appeared to struggle to keep his eyes open as he spoke about the massive honour on the Today Show early Monday morning. 

Stefanovic couldn’t resist the opportunity to call out the dusty looking Cripps.  

The Carlton skipper admitted he had enjoyed a late night out to celebrate being named the 2022 Brownlow medallist on Sunday night

‘I just wanted to say Crippsy, well done my friend. We’ve been following you really well this year. You had a terrific year,’ Stefanovic said. 

‘One thing I will give advice if you are staying at Crown, and you’re going to an awards ceremony that night, just make sure you don’t leave your eyes in the villa when you come down to the do the cross.’

Cripps smiled at the piece of advice as Stefanovic and co-host Allison Langdon broke out into fits of laughter. 

‘My eyes, once I have two beers, I’m done,’ he said. ‘You can probably tell I left my eyes definitely at the counter last night.’ 

Sport presenter Alex Cullen had moments earlier asked Cripps if he had managed to get much sleep between Sunday night and Monday morning.

‘Looking at my eyes you can tell not a lot,’ Cripps responded. ‘I’m crying out for a bit of sleep right now. 

‘No you have to do it. It’s all worth it when you win the Brownlow. I’ve got to keep punching out the next few hours then I’ll be hitting the pillow pretty quick.’

The Carlton captain said it was a massive honour to be named the 2022 Brownlow medallist.

Cripps was almost not eligible for the AFL’s best and fairest award, after receiving a two-match ban for an incident that concussed Lions utility Callum Ah Chee at the Gabba in round 21 (pictured, Cripps with partner Monique Fontana)

Cripps was almost not eligible for the AFL’s best and fairest award, after receiving a two-match ban for an incident that concussed Lions utility Callum Ah Chee at the Gabba in round 21. 

The star midfielder was unsuccessful at overturning the rough conduct suspension at the AFL tribunal, but had better luck when he fronted the appeals board two days later.

During a marathon hearing that almost ran into Friday morning, the 27-year-old was freed to play in the Blues’ crunch clash with Melbourne.

‘I always prepared like I was going to play, no matter what situation unfolded,’ Cripps said on Sunday.

‘Just prepare yourself like you’re going to play and if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen, but if it does, you go out and perform.

I’m a big one that once you cross that white line you put yourself out there and you’re prepared to play your best.’