Bryce Gibbs’ sensational career deserves serious praise and recognition, as he has been an essential factor in the Blues’ attack over the last ten years.
The 27-year-old was taken at pick #1 in 2006, with Carlton desperately trying to save their pride after becoming one of the least successful teams of the noughties – a title that would’ve been laughable during their supreme reign throughout the 1970s and ’80s.
Ten years later, Gibbs finds himself as the club’s vice-captain and this weekend will lead his side through the banner at Spotless Stadium as a proud 200-gamer.
Gibbs, a South Australian, played for Plympton in his junior years, and then for Glenelg – the club from which Stephen Kernahan was drafted.
He debuted in Round 1 of 2007, playing his part in claiming a win over old rivals Richmond. The youngster collected 11 disposals and kicked a goal in an exceptional performance.
Furthermore, he was amazingly put into the club’s leadership group before running out on to the MCG for his first game. Obviously, Carlton invested a large amount of faith into their #1 pick.
Gibbs didn’t prove them wrong, delivering remarkable efforts in his first year at the club to earn a Rising Star nomination.
In 2009, Gibbs was at the heart of the club’s route back to the top eight, as he played finals football under former coach, Brett Ratten. Carlton partook in the finals series in 2010 and 2011 as well.
In 2011, Gibbs booted 18 goals, which helped the Blues’ into the top eight via percentage.
However, the Blues missed September footy in 2012, which saw the board sack Ratten, and hire renowned former Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse to make sure that the club was heading in the right direction.
Malthouse took the Blues back to the finals in 2013, but this was due to the Bombers dropping out of the eight for the supplements saga.
In 2014 Gibbs was playing great footy to claim the John Nicholls Medal, showing that he was an incredibly versatile player who could make an impact across the ground.
Heading into 2015, Gibbs was promoted to vice-captain, having played an exceptional 177 games out of a possible 182. However, he suffered a pectoral injury which restricted his on-field presence to just ten games that season.
The glum year also saw Malthouse depart the club mid-season and the Blues claim the wooden spoon.
After that year to forget, Gibbs is having a career-best season in 2016. He looks fitter than ever, providing the Blues with run and depth throughout the midfield, while averaging 22 disposals, three clearances, and four tackles per game.
Bryce Gibbs is a wonderful player, leader and role model as Carlton continue their inspirational rebuild.
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