Adelaide midfielder Sam Gibson will call time on his AFL journey at season’s end
ADELAIDE on-baller Sam Gibson will call time on his durable AFL journey at season’s end after an injury-interrupted first year at the Crows.
- ‘Pain in the arse’: Why Sloane opposes subs, red cards
- Crow gone: All the AFL list changes
- Team of the week: Greatest round in history?
- Showdown deserves Friday night lights
- AFL Daily: All the latest news and views
ADELAIDE midfielder Sam Gibson will call time on his AFL journey at season’s end to pursue a passion for construction.
Gibson, 32, told teammates of his decision on Tuesday at West Lakes.
Gibson was super-durable at North Melbourne rolling through 130 consecutive games for the Kangaroos between rounds 12, 2012 and round 23, 2017 before switching to Adelaide last year where hamstring strains have ruined his season.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to play at the highest level with both the Kangaroos and the Crows,” said Gibson, who hasn’t played since Adelaide’s round 12 loss to Hawthorn at the MCG.
“North Melbourne gave me a chance when no-one else would and I had six wonderful years at Arden Street with some friendships and memories I’ll cherish forever.
“It was a privilege to come to Adelaide late last year and be a part of this football club.
“There’s a fantastic group of players and coaches here that will no doubt have success in the near future.
“For me, I’m looking forward to the next chapter, either here in Adelaide or back in Melbourne.”
After seven seasons in the AFL and five games with Adelaide Gibson will turn to a new life in construction which capitalises on his tertiary studies.
“I was a graduate engineer before I was drafted and hope to get back into construction, which is something I really love,’ said Gibson, a late bloomer recruited by North Melbourne with pick No. 63 in the 2012 rookie draft before being sacked last year despite finishing sixth in the Kangaroos’ best and fairest.
He had already started teeing up interviews with construction companies when he received a surprise phone call from Crows coach Don Pyke last year.
Pyke lauded Gibson, who outshone his younger teammates by winning the Crows’ 2km time preseason time trial in January, as a true professional.
“Sam has only been with us a short time but his dedication and professionalism in his preparation has been a great example to our younger players,” Pyke said.
“We wish him, his wife Jade and son Sebastian all the very best going forward.”