Bryce Gibbs’ career wraps up as Crows shut door on Carlton’s finals hopes

The tears were flowing as a 268-game AFL star bid farewell to the game for the very last time after delivering one final masterpiece.

Emotional scenes as Bryce Gibbs' final game comes to an end

Bryce Gibbs has saluted the AFL one last time in style with the retiring Adelaide Crows player helping his side get the job done against his old club Carlton.

Carlton had finals hopes entering the contest, but a flat looking team were comprehensively run off the park.

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The Crows burst out of the blocks and kicked the games first five goals and never looked back as they secured the 10.12 (72) to 8.8 (56) victory.

It makes it three in a row for the Crows who started the 2020 season 0-13 and miraculously could still finish the season off the bottom of the ladder.

Carlton showed signs of life late in the contest as they threatened to mow down the Crows, but the bottom of the ladder side held their nerve.

As good as the win was, it was the emotional scenes after the game with star Bryce Gibbs hanging up the boots for the final time after 268 games.

Gibbs was chaired off the ground by former teammates Kade Simpson and Marc Murphy, a gesture that stunned Crows coach Matthew Nicks.

“I am not sure if I have seen it before but it was fitting for a great career,” Nicks said.

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Emotional scenes as Bryce Gibbs' final game comes to an end

After beginning his career at Carlton, he moved to the Crows and said goodbye to the game with an impressive outing of 27 disposals.

“Im not crying, you are. Bryce Gibbs class to the end,” former Blues teammate Dale Thomas wrote.

“Talk about a classy send off for Bryce Gibbs. Wonderful moment and great career,” sports journalist Luke D’Anello wrote.

“Nice touch having the Carlton boys chair Bryce Gibbs. Wish it could’ve been at Adelaide Oval,” 7 News’ Mikey Nicholson wrote.

“Great to see Bryce Gibbs finish his career with a smile on his face. Well played,” Blues tragic Andy Maher wrote.

“I’m not crying, you’re crying ah footy #AFLBluesCrows on ya Gibbaaa,” AFWL star Stephanie Chiocci wrote.

Scenes 🙏 pic.twitter.com/nFbqGs5toA

— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 13, 2020

An opponent today, but always one of our own.

All the best, @BGibbsy4, and thank you for everything you did for our football club.#AllOfUs pic.twitter.com/kUakMXbcUK

— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) September 13, 2020

Gibbs had a chance to put a cherry on top of the cake in the final quarter when skipper Rory Sloane found him inside 50, but his shot on goal drifted across the face of goal for a behind.

“Just the old legs couldn’t get that last one home there,” Gibbs said.

“It was really nice to end my career to my own terms, playing against my old club. It was a really special day and to get the win was even better.”

Gibbs was mobbed after the final siren by players from both sides with plenty of Blues players wrapping their arms around their former teammate.

“They’re my best mates, some of these guys were in my wedding party,” Gibbs said.

“The bonds and the friendships I created with these guys are going to last for a lifetime. To share the last game was pretty special.”

The Crows can leap over the top of North Melbourne next weekend if they’re able to continue their stellar form against Richmond on Saturday afternoon.

Carlton will be left to rue what could have been as their finals hopes were dashed in the loss in a game they were widely tipped to win.

They’ll finish the home and away season next Saturday night when they take on the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.

Originally published as Bryce Gibbs’ career wraps up as Crows shut door on Carlton’s finals hopes