Blues star Patrick Cripps running over the top of Richmond players

Carlton star Patrick Cripps has gone to another level in 2021.

The Blues bull was unstoppable in the first half of the season opener against Richmond on Thursday night at the MCG, repeatedly running over the top of Tigers rivals.

Cripps has already cemented his reputation as one of the toughest, contested ball-winners in football — but what fans saw from him on Thursday was bonkers.

Cripps routinely broke tackles and he did it without even needing to use his arms to do it.

Instead of trying to dance around the Tigers, Cripps decided to run over the top of them with complete disrespect.

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Two of the times he ran straight through defenders — while keeping both hands on the footy — directly resulted in goals.

He had a game-high six score involvements mid-way through the second quarter. He also had 17 touches before the half time siren.

All of those stats were overshadowed by his sheer, brute force that had Tigers players scared to get in his way.

Footy commentators were left in awe of the 25-year-old.

Cripps is a free agent at the end of the 2021 season, and his form early on Thursday night suggests he is going to be drowning in mega-deal offers from rival clubs.

Richmond kicked the final four goals of the half to lead by 11 points at the main break.