Carlton captain Patrick Cripps is receiving fresh plaudits for his "class and dignity" ahead of his latest AFL milestone.
The dual Brownlow medallist will play his 250th AFL game on Saturday night when his Blues host Brisbane.
Cripps, widely acknowledged as among the best players of his generation, will become the 13th Carlton player to reach the milestone.
"He has resembled so much hope for this football club for a long period of time," Blues caretaker coach Josh Fraser said.
"He's got a presence about him and he's a much-loved figure."
Cripps' career, which started in 2014, has featured just four finals games.
"At times, he has had to carry a fair load," Fraser said of Cripps, who was appointed captain in 2019.
"But he has done it with such class and dignity, he's a credit to his family.
"The football club is very lucky to have someone like him."
Cripps and his teammates will meet a Brisbane outfit hitting ominous form in their quest for a third consecutive premiership.
The fourth-placed Lions are on a seven-game winning streak and have summoned Oscar Allen, Keidean Coleman and Bruce Reville for the Marvel Stadium fixture.
Brisbane lost Ty Gallop to suspension, rested veteran Dayne Zorko and dropped James Tunstill.
Carlton, in 11th spot, recalled Harry McKay from a knee injury to replace Nic Newman (hamstring).
The Blues lost to the Lions at the Gabba by only 11 points in round 10 - their last match with Michael Voss as coach, with Fraser then taking over.
"There are some things we'll be able to take from the last encounter," Fraser said.
"But also acknowledging the form they're in and the quality they've got across the field, how deep their midfield bats, and how well they're coached."
