Brisbane star Brittany Gibson has taken a different path to the AFLW

WHEN asking around about Brittany Gibson, the responses range from “she’s a character” to “the most Queensland Tasmanian you’ll ever meet.’’

Brittany Gibson celebrates one of Brisbane’s goals. Picture: Getty Images

“HERE comes the dozer”.

With that throwaway line from assistant coach David Lake during the video review session after the Lions first practice match, Brittany Gibson had a new nickname.

Gibson had kicked the winning goal in that clash against GWS at Yeronga, the first time the Lions women’s team had played together, but it was her attack on a contest that impressed the coaches, prompting Lake’s remark.

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“I think I had moved an opponent out of the way with my head,’’ she said. “The name just stuck and I don’t mind it.’’

When asking around about the 24-year-old midfielder the responses ranged from “she’s a character” to “the most Queensland Tasmanian you’ll ever meet.’’

According to CEO Breanna Brock, “she’s the heart and soul of the team, she represents everything the team stands for’’.

Brittany Gibson shows her trademark attack on the football. Picture: Getty Images

By day she drives a forklift as a stevedore at Brisbane Port, afternoons and weekends she is living her dream as a professional footballer.

Gibson’s path to the AFLW differs from just about everyone else’s.

She never played any form of representative footy in Tasmania and was not a part of any of the All Stars games which led to the formation of the AFLW.

Gibson started playing footy at eight when she joined her brother’s side in a Davenport competition.

She played until she went to high school when authorities would no longer allow it.

For a couple of frustrating years she could only watch her brother play until a group of girls and parents lobbied to have a school competition formed.

Women’s club football got off the ground after that, and she has played ever since.

She made her way to the Lions through the draft after coach Craig Starcevich watched a video of her playing last year’s local grand final in Tasmania.

She is pleased with the way she has slotted into the team and the competition and does not feel disadvantaged to team mates, many who have been in programs since they were kids.

Brittany Gibson celebrates Brisbane’s win over Collingwood. Picture: Getty Images

“I think if you have the love and passion for the game, and you are willing to work and develop you are OK,’’ she said.

“Through the pre-season we worked on things I needed to develop, but everyone is in the same boat. I haven’t felt out of place at all.’’

She has felt lonely. Her partner Jamie spent the first month in Brisbane with her but has returned to Tasmania where she is a schoolteacher.

Last week she was the only player on the team not to have family or close friends present for Lions’ first home match.

She is thrilled that her folks have made the trip this weekend, and were on Friday stocking up on merchandise from the Lions’ store to wear on Saturday.

Originally published as Brisbane star Brittany Gibson has taken a different path to the AFLW