Michael Gibbons | 2020 Season Review

Written by Ari Stamatakos

Throughout the 2020 off-season, Blue Abroad will be providing content to cover everything you need to know about the Carlton Football Club.

After a largely improved yet disappointing season, we will be reviewing every player that pulled on the famous Navy Blue guernsey in 2020.

This is the Blue Abroad Player Review for Carlton’s #40 – Michael Gibbons

SEASON SYNOPSIS

Some might have feared the dreaded second year blues for Michael Gibbons in 2020, however he silenced any critics as he continued his great form in Navy Blue. Last season he surprised many, but this season he surprised very few.

He averaged 14 disposals, 3 inside 50s, 4.3 score involvements, 16 pressure acts and 8.5 effective kicks. In comparison to his other forwards, he ranked elite in Inside 50s, effective kicks, metres gained and, perhaps most notably, stoppage clearances and total Clearances. Should he maybe be playing in the midfield more often with these stats?

In one of his better games of the season, against Essendon in Round 4, he played significant time on the wing. He gathered 25 disposals, had 5 tackles and had 4 inside 50s. It showed how influential he was in 2020 when given the opportunity to play exclusively in the midfield, and might be signs of things to come in 2021.

BEST PERFORMANCE

Gibbons was one of the more consistent players throughout 2020. One of his better performances this season came against the Gold Coast Suns in the Sir Doug Nicholls Round, as Carlton ran out 33 point winners. 

Playing off the half forward line, he kicked 2 goals, had 10 score involvements, 10 pressure acts, 5 tackles and 4 inside 50s. In dewy and slippery conditions, he also gathered 19 disposals going at 78% efficiency.

One of the better performances by Carlton in 2020, many players were highlighted post-match, but Gibbons seemed to have gone under the radar. Giving credit where it's due, he really showed his class in a must win game for the Blues.

OFF-SEASON & 2021 OUTLOOK

Who knows what 2021 holds for Michael Gibbons? Could he break into the midfield, or will the acquisition of Zac Williams restrict him to more time up forward?

Despite it only being his second season as an AFL footballer, being a two time J.J. Liston medalist has put him in good stead to keep up with the intensity of AFL football. He never shies away from a hard bump or a courageous marking contest. Giving 100% effort has become a staple of Michael Gibbons’ game.

Gibbons performed well, both as a forward and an on-baller. His versatility is hard to come by, and paired with his aforementioned intensity, Gibbons could prove a handy asset as Carlton surges up the ladder in hopes for success in the near future.

2020 REPORT CARD RATING

C+

STATUS HEADING INTO 2021

Fringe 22 Player