It would be interesting to know if Bryce Gibbs regrets joining Adelaide in late 2017.
After a Grand Final appearance, the highscoring crows were largely inclined to challenge again. Gibbs would be presented as a midfielder as a cherry on an already delicious ice cream sundae.
But Adelaide was twelfth in 2018, struggling to shake off a training camp fiasco that turned the club upside down, and hasn’t been the same since.
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Gibbs did his part, finished fourth in the best and most beautiful and played every game.
But in 2019, the former No. 1 was dropped four times during the year. And with the crows moving further towards youth this season under Matthew Nicks, he’s no longer considered a midfielder or even a half striker.
According to Nicks, his competition is Rory Laird, Luke Brown and Brodie Smith. No wonder he doesn’t get a crack.
Liam Jones Falcon saves the blues
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Carlton is now showing the first signs of a small rebirth. The Blues defeated Geelong on their home deck last Saturday and defeated Essendon this weekend in the MCG. In both cases, David Teague’s men were outsiders. Check out their top 22. Something is brewing in Princes Park.
And Eddie Betts has been a critical player for the past two weeks. Criticism of Betts’ takeover in last year’s trading period focused on its age and youngest form.
But cynics, none of whom Teague was, have neglected the benefit of fresh surroundings and romantic homecoming for Carlton believers. In his second game at Ikon Park, Betts has strengthened the trust of his coach and club. It is not difficult to say that Gibbs would do the same.
AFL ticks off ’90m penalty’
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And on Saturday evening, Gibbs – who is still out of favor with the Crows – sent out a tweet demonstrating his affection for his former club. It was a word, but an opposition player who uses social media as a platform to cheer on another team is not exactly a normal occurrence. “BAGGERS,” it said.
Only Gibbs knows what he wants to do with the end of his career, but let’s make a calculated guess and say that part of the heart is still in the blues, where he played 231 senior games. Would he return? Brad Johnson told Fox Footy’s Saturday stretch it is not beyond the possibilities.
The problem for the Crows and Gibbs is that he turned 31 in March and the club is trying to rebuild as soon as possible. To achieve this, Nicks and his gaming committee have to make harder calls to older players all year round. Tex Walker was under pressure while Matt Crouch was deleted this week. More difficult terrain lies before us when Adelaide bleeds the youth.
The bottom line is that the crows don’t want a well-paid 30-year-old on their list who doesn’t get a game. And this over 30 year old would have the right to feel wasted. Therefore, the end of the year solution is to separate by mutual agreement during the trading period and to terminate a contract that expires in late 2021.
Carlton would be a romantic homecoming, and maybe the Blues could justify it if they win enough games this year to indicate that they have a chance to challenge the next season.
Blues sneak from Bombers
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Gibbs could also have an impact elsewhere. Perhaps Port Adelaide would consider him if he wanted to stay in South Australia for the same family reasons from which he applied to trade? If the last four Power games have a sample size, they will definitely be in the Premiership window.
Or do Gold Coast or Brisbane need another experienced midfielder to lead the young players? Nevertheless, it is too noble not to be considered by several clubs. And it only takes one to take the plunge.
In any case, Gibbs’ career should not be ended by instruction from his current employer. Those close to him say that he has a lot to offer. Of his 12 games last year – in a fighting team – he scored an average of 20 exits per game.
Charlie’s incredible miss
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Unfortunately for Gibbs it is not the case that due to COVID-19 he can prove his worth through a strong SANFL form. A club must pounce on it and the crows must allow it to move with their best wishes.
And if there’s one thing we’ve learned in recent years, anything – literally anything – is possible in the trading period.
Gibbs’ tweet on Saturday night may have accidentally opened up a world of opportunities after 2020. Instead of not playing soccer for the best and fairest 2014, social media may just be the best way to market yourself.
At least it’s a “watch this space”.
Join David King, Nick Dal Santo and Tom Morris on the first crack at 9:30 p.m. Sunday evening on Fox Footy
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