Patrick Cripps put in a vintage performance to win the battle of the superstar No.9’s at Marvel but the Blues captain still had plenty of praise for his West Coast rival.

Cripps was front and centre of the resurgent Blues as they made it six straight wins for interim coach Josh Fraser, racking up 31 touches, nine clearances, six tackles and a goal in a best-on-ground performance.

He and Reid had plenty of battles throughout the day, lining up on each other on multiple occasions around stoppage, with Cripps saying he enjoyed the contest.

“You enjoy playing against the best players, and he’s going to be a star, and I love the way he plays,” he said post-game.

“He got me holding the ball, but they’re the battles you love playing, and he’ll be the same.”

The Eagles still looked sleepy coming off the bye, failing to apply meaningful pressure until the second half as Carlton dominated the clearances.

Harley Reid was perhaps the only exception for West Coast’s midfield, finishing with a game-high 12 clearances from his 23 touches while kicking another terrific goal out of the middle to continue his outstanding personal season.

Cripps paid credit to Reid’s maturity this year, having had to develop around a struggling club.

“I love guys that play with aggression, especially when you have a big frame, and he does that,” he said.

“I just like the way he’s sticking at it. I know it’s been some tough years, but he keeps fronting up, and for a young guy he cops a lot of attention and plays the right way.”

On his own team, the Blues now sit inside the top 10 and in a wildcard spot as they remain unbeaten under Fraser with Cripps

“It’s awesome, winning is fun, mate,” he said.

“From how the year was going to put ourselves back into a respectable position on the ladder to attack the back-half of the year is huge.”