Williamstown VFL star Michael Gibbons firming to earn a spot on Carlton’s list for 2019
He was overlooked at the drafts again this year, but there might just be good news on the horizon for mature-age VFL star Michael Gibbons, who has impressed while training with Carlton.
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Overlooked VFL star Michael Gibbons is firming to earn a spot on Carlton’s list for next season after impressing at Blues training over the past two weeks.
The 23-year-old, who won a second VFL J.J Liston Trophy while playing for Williamstown this year, was invited to train with Carlton after missing selection in the national and rookie drafts.
The Blues have the option to add Gibbons to their list as part of the pre-season supplemental selection period, with a deadline of March 15.
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While a final decision is yet to be made, the Sunday Herald Sun understands Williamstown is planning to be without Gibbons next year, confident the athletic midfielder and forward will be listed by Carlton.
Blues forward Harry McKay said this week Gibbons had impressed on the training track and deserved an opportunity.
“He’s been awesome,” McKay said.
“He obviously has a lot of experience at VFL level and he’s a really good guy and so far in just some match simulation he’s done some really good things. So hopefully we can stick with him and pick him up.”
Gibbons has been named in the past three VFL teams of the year and averaged 28 disposals and seven clearances a game this year.
He would be the fourth player plucked from Williamstown by AFL clubs this year, with Ben Cavarra (Western Bulldogs), Lachlan Schultz (Fremantle) and Brett Bewley (Fremantle) all finding new homes in the national draft.
Originally published as Williamstown VFL star Michael Gibbons firming to earn a spot on Carlton’s list for 2019
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