Star Adelaide recruit Bryce Gibbs says he can fill the void left by the long-term injury to playmaking backman Brodie Smith

STAR Adelaide recruit Bryce Gibbs has put his hand up to fill the defensive void left by injured playmaker Brodie Smith next season.

Star Adelaide recruit Bryce Gibbs says he can fill the defensive playmaking void left by the loss of injured Brodie Smith. Picture: Adelaide Football Club.

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STAR Adelaide recruit Bryce Gibbs has put his hand up to fill the defensive void left by injured playmaker Brodie Smith next season.

Carlton’s 2014 club champion looms as the Crows’ ultimate swingman, saying he is equally comfortable playing in the midfield, defence or attack.

And while Gibbs, who has played most of his career as an onballer, said Adelaide coach Don

Pyke had yet to discuss his role for next season he would be prepared to take Smith’s half-back spot.

Rebounding backman Smith will miss most of the 2018 season following a knee reconstruction after he broke down in the semi-final against Greater Western Sydney in September.

“I’ve played a lot of half-back and back pocket in my career, so it’s certainly not a new position for me,’’ said Gibbs, who started training with the Crows on Monday.

“If that’s what the team requires, I’d be more than happy to help out where I can.

“No doubt as the pre-season goes on I’ll sit down with Pykey and work out where he wants me to play but I’m certainly open to (playing) midfield, down back, up forward, wherever they need me.’’

Bryce Gibbs shows his poise during Crows training at West Lakes. Picture: Matt Turner

Brodie Smith at preseason training as he recovers from a knee reconstruction. Picture: Calum Robertson

Gibbs — the No. 1 draft pick from Glenelg in 2006 — played 231 games in 11 years for Carlton before being granted his wish to return home to SA for family reasons.

While the 28-year-old is one of the game’s premier players — and can take over Smith’s kick-in duties from opposition behinds — he said he isn’t taking anything for granted at his new club.

“First and foremost it’s about earning the respect of the playing group, coming from another club, so it’s head down, bum up, train hard,” Gibbs said of his initial aspirations with the Crows.

“I’ve played over 200 games but I’m certainly not entitled to anything at this footy club in terms of a spot in the side.

“I’ve certainly got to go out and earn that and that’s what I’m going to try and do over the summer, hopefully play some intra-club games and some JLT (pre-season) games and go from there.

“But earning the respect of the playing group is the first thing on my agenda.’’

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