Sam Gibson was lining up construction jobs when Adelaide coach Don Pyke came calling

SACKED Kangaroo Sam Gibson had already started teeing up interviews with construction companies before his last-minute lifeline from Adelaide.

SACKED Kangaroo Sam Gibson had already started teeing up interviews with construction companies this week.

The former engineer was devastated to be delisted by North Melbourne last week after 130 consecutive games and a sixth-placing in this year’s club’s best-and-fairest.

Then on Tuesday Adelaide coach Don Pyke called.

PASS/FAIL: HOW DID YOUR CLUB’S TRADE PERIOD RATE

FINAL DAY: RE-CAP ALL THE TRADE DEADLINE CRAZINESS

TRADE TRACKER: EVERY CONFIRMED DEAL AND MOVE

By 2pm on Thursday Gibson’s life had been turned on its head, taken by the Crows on a one-year deal for a late pick (No.91) the Roos won’t use.

Gibson, only drafted at 25 after playing with Box Hill, believed he was a free agent who couldn’t even be traded.

“To be honest I didn’t even think a trade was an option until two days ago,” he said.

Bryce Gibbs and Sam Gibson have been traded to the Adelaide Crows. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“It all happened really quickly and I was contacted by Don on Tuesday and from then on it happened really quickly and thankfully it is done and my mind could be put at ease.

“I assumed I was a delisted free agent. Ultimately I am still under contract now and the ability to transfer the contract was beneficial to the Crows and myself.”

Gibson has been a durable and hard-running midfielder but his kick rating of -1.7 per cent puts him in the below average category.

Yet where North Melbourne is trying to pump games into its kids, his manager Ben Williams found a way to breathe life back into his career.

“I understand the process North Melbourne are going through and their rebuild,’’ Gibson said.

“It was a decision I didn’t agree with for my own reasons and I am not a list manager, I have no hard feelings.

Sam Gibson played 130 consecutive games for North Melbourne. Picture: Michael Klein

“North Melbourne gave me an opportunity when no one else would and they gave me six wonderful years and they are memories I will cherish forever.”

Like shunned Pie Paul Seedsman in this year’s finals, Gibson might find himself with an unlikely finals berth at the Crows.

“It’s huge because the best times I have had in footy are winning finals and I have admired Adelaide from afar,’’ he said.

“I certainly hope I can (extend my 130-game run) but the assurances I have had from Don are it’s a team based around hard work and sacrifice and playing your role which is what I pride myself on.

“I am under no illusions. I will have to move states, find my feet again and work my butt off.”