For the sake of domestic harmony, Carlton coach John Barker had to check himself.

The Blues coach realised he was gushing so much about Patrick Cripps, his wife might raise an eyebrow about where his true love really lies.

Cripps continues to be a beacon of light in Carlton’s terrible AFL season.

His best-afield performance in Sunday’s 23-point win over Melbourne took him another step closer to the Rising Star award.

Cripps shook off a tag from Bernie Vince, who has been in good form this season, and racked up 26 possessions.

“His dominance in the contest, and then we started to see a bit of burst into space today, which we haven’t seen much of but it’s ominous,” Barker said.

“He’s got real character, resilience. Regardless of the scenario that presents, he just fights, even in marking contests.

“He’s six foot three I don’t know if I can say much more about him, my wife might start getting concerned.”

“Rising Star. Absolutely.”

The big feature of Sunday’s match between 14th and 18th was that it featured the two Rising Star favourites.

While Cripps starred, Melbourne’s Jesse Hogan went goal-less for the first time in his AFL career.

But Tony Lockett or John Coleman would have struggled with the woeful supply that Melbourne had for their forwards.

As the Demons only managed two goals in the first half, Cripps combined with Matthew Kreuzer for the match highlight.

Cripps burst through the midfield in the second term and handballed to Kreuzer, who kicked a booming goal.

Kreuzer also impressed and he is returning to form after missing all but one game last year with a serious foot injury.

The ruckman is out of contract at the end of this season, but that does not worry Barker.

“He’s a Carlton man. I don’t think there’s any doubts about that,” Barker said.

“Our fans know that, our members know that, the club knows that, Matty knows that.

“He’s a Carlton man.”