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Carlton captain Patrick Cripps said Scott Pendlebury's recollections of last year's grand final made him realise how far he still has to develop his leadership.

Leading Carlton to an elusive AFL premiership is the next frontier for record-breaking Brownlow Medallist Patrick Cripps.

The 29-year-old smashed the Brownlow votes mark with 45 on Monday night to win his second medal in three seasons.

Collingwood young gun Nick Daicos also broke the old record, finishing runner-up on 38.

Cripps said this had been his most consistent season, but the Carlton captain added his leadership remains a work in progress.

Speaking on stage after the count, Cripps said coach Michael Voss had sent him a podcast featuring former Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury in the wake of last year's grand final.

Pendlebury had been immense as the Magpies beat Brisbane in an epic clash, particularly late in the match, and his reflections made Cripps realise the standard he is yet to reach.

"He talked about the last few minutes of the grand final and just talking about his mindset, late, to control the game on the field," he said.

"I'm not at that level yet. So that's something I need to get to work on.

"As a player you can get the best out of yourself, but when you're a leader, how can you get the best out of the team as well?

"I actually felt that helped my consistency this year."

Cripps was born in 1995, the same year as the Blues' last premiership. After promising much this season, they bowed out in the elimination final.

"We're a good club at the moment, but not a great club - yet. We feel like we can be a great club," Cripps said.

"We have a bit of work to do. I know we can do amazing things."

Cripps spoke of Voss taking the club forward, noting the coach's storied history as the three-time Brisbane premiership captain.

With last year's winner Lachie Neale staying in Brisbane to prepare for the grand final against Sydney, Voss presented Cripps with his medal.

"For me, personally, he's a guy who's done it. He's been a great mentor and a great friend," Cripps said.

He also jokingly referred to his coach as "Rambo" after Voss famously made a citizen's arrest last month.

Voss equally was full of praise for his captain in a note to members after the Brownlow count, saying Cripps is one of the club's greatest players.

In his third season as captain, Cripps was named vice-captain in his fourth All-Australian team.

Such was his domination in the Brownlow count, he polled more than the rest of Carlton combined (42) and more than three bottom clubs - North Melbourne (42), West Coast (20) and Richmond (19).

He had 12 three-vote games and polled 45 out of a possible maximum of 69, becoming the first player to win two Brownlows at Carlton and the 17th multiple winner of the award.

The West Australian native said as he grew up, he was inspired by West Coast greats and fellow Brownlow Medallists Chris Judd and Ben Cousins.

"I know I'm in a position to inspire other kids and I don't take that lightly," he said.

Since his first Brownlow, he has married Monica and they have had a baby daughter, Koda.

"I'm at the stage of my life when I know who the people in my corner are," Cripps said.

"Life's short, so get after it."