Former Essendon captain Tim Watson would take Marcus Bontempelli over Patrick Cripps if he had to choose between the two.
The duo were both part of the 2013 National Draft with Bontempelli taken with pick four by the Western Bulldogs, while Cripps was selected with pick 13 by Carlton.
Watson explained why he would prefer the premiership Dog over the star Blue.
“I’m taking Bontempelli, I’ve had a good think about this,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.
“I think there’s something in his DNA that enables him to be a little bit more expansive and a little bit more creative.
“I love Patrick Cripps, we know what you’re going to get and he’s a competitive beast as well.
SIGN UP FOR NBA TIPPING - Tip Friday to Sunday each week and set up a league with your mates! Win NBL Courtside seats every week and Boomers v USA tickets.
“I think Bontempelli is a competitive beast as well, but I think he’s capable of going forward and playing like a true forward as well as a midfielder and kicking a lot more goals than what Patrick Cripps is capable of doing.
“The other thing that we may have discounted in this conversation is the fact that Patrick Cripps hasn’t played in a great team yet.”
Cripps’ stocks rose significnelty in 2018 after a stunning individual season in a Carlton side that registered just two wins for the entire season.
Listen to this morning's edition of SEN Breakfast with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson in the player below
More in AFL
“This time next year…”: Cornes’ bold pick for his next AFL head coach in waiting
“I think he is the most ready head coach in waiting.”
The certainties for every remaining Round 1 game
Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.
All-Australian defender Callum Wilkie names his three toughest opponents
“His contest work is just next level.”