Ex-Hawthorn defender Josh Gibson impressing at Ballarat

A three-time Hawthorn premiership defender is winning admirers on and off the field in Ballarat as he starred alongside an up and coming VFL young gun.

Josh Gibson played his first game for Ballarat on the weekend. Photo: Ballarat Football Netball Club.

Three-time Hawthorn premiership defender Josh Gibson may have finally made his Ballarat debut on Saturday, but he’s already had a massive impact off the field.

The Swans claimed their second win of the season in a five-point thriller against East Point to keep touch with the competition’s top five.

Swans coach Joe Carmody named 37-year-old Gibson in defence and he immediately looked right at home, going on to be named among his side’s better players.

Despite wanting to see Gibson in their club’s colours in a game as soon as possible, Carmody said Gibson had already helped his teammates improve with his knowledge of the game.

“He’s been really invested in everything we do,” he said.

“Josh is really putting in the effort to help our young guys get the best out of themselves. You know what you’re going to get out of him as a player because he was such a talent at the top level.

“Playing with someone of his experience is something our younger guys are sure to remember for a long time.”

Gibson wasn’t the only big name Swan to be named before the game with former Western Bulldog Andrew Hooper playing his first game of the season.

He finished the game with a goal but was outshone by Bailey Van de Heuvel who has spent time with Footscray in the VFL this year.

The young tall booted four goals after a switch from defence in recent weeks.

“We thought we would try Bailey forward after he showed some good signs in the VFL,” Carmody said.

“It’s a pleasure to have someone who can have an impact at both ends of the ground, it definitely makes my life easier as a coach.”

Best on grounds honours went to Daniel Kennedy, who celebrated his 150th game for the Swans.

“He’s someone who has been here through the hard times and always been a consistent player,” Carmody said.

“Daniel has won three best and fairest which shows how important he is to us. It was fantastic to get a win for him.”

Carmody also reserved special praise for Nick Weightman who went head-to-head with Jordan Johnston, who is on Geelong’s VFL list.

“Jordy is probably one of the best players in the competition,” he said.

“I thought Nick did a terrific job.”

Ballarat will face Melton South in their next game.

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