Carlton star Patrick Cripps says he wants to emulate the likes of Nat Fyfe and Patrick Dangerfield as a goal-kicking midfielder in his third year in the AFL.

Cripps is a certain starter in Thursday’s season-opener against Richmond at the MCG after spending three months on the sidelines with a stress reaction in his lower back.

The 22-year-old has fast become arguably the Blues’ most important player but says he’s determined to take his game to the next level.