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War of words between Carlton and Adelaide over Gibbs heats up

Bryce Gibbs divides the public, but can we all agree he's a bloody good footy player? (AAP Image/Joe Castro)
20th October, 2016
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Carlton has hit back over Adelaide’s criticism of its handling of the failed Bryce Gibbs trade, saying the Crows undervalued the midfield star.

The two sides failed to reach an agreement for the 27-year-old by the end of the AFL trade period on Thursday, with Gibbs seeking a move home so he and his partner could receive family support with their young son.

Adelaide accused the Blues of making unrealistic demands to see through Gibbs’ move to West Lakes.

The Crows reportedly offered up their No.13 pick in this year’s draft, as well as a future third-round selection.

Crows list manager Justin Reid said the Blues’ proposed exchange of two first-round draft picks or a combination of players would not have been “fair value”.

“We obviously value Bryce more highly than they do,” Carlton football boss Andrew McKay told SEN radio on Friday.

“They weren’t close. We were very clear with them.

“It wasn’t a matter of us mucking them around at all. We were prepared to let Bryce go for the right price.”

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McKay said the club would provide Gibbs support to help him through his issues to prevent a repeat of the saga in the 2017 trade frenzy.

“We believe we’ll be able to get him back into the fold and not make him feel too awkward,” he said.

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