Re: Rd 2: Carlton vs. Sydney: Post Game Passion
Reply #178 –
From Wikipedia ...
Gibbs was named in Carlton's leadership group for the 2007 AFL season without having played a single AFL match, which is the first time in history this has happened.
He made his debut in round one against Richmond and kicked a goal with his first kick while becoming the 1100th player to play for Carlton. 17 disposals at 100 percent efficiency and a great shut-down role on Brownlow Medallist Jason Akermanis in Round 10 earned Gibbs his nomination for the NAB Rising Star award.
Gibbs played every game of the 2007 season and kicked five goals. Most of his development and experience has been in the backline where he has played as a half back flanker.
In 2008, new coach Brett Ratten reduced the size of the leadership group, and Gibbs was excluded from the new group.
I hate the whole concept of Leadership groups so I treat his selection (although, in hindsight, it was pretty ridiculous and indicative of how little frickin' clue the Club had back then) and subsequent de-selection with a grain of salt. When I expressed my frustration with Gibbs on this forum a few years back someone responded (might have been Sheik) saying that Gibbs is Gibbs - what you see is what you get and it ain't gonna change. This produced a sense of calm resignation in me such that I no longer smash remote controls.
Bryce is the perfect embodiment of a footballer representing the 7 stages of grief:
1. Shock or disbelief. "Yes! We got him! No. 1! And he's in the Leadership Group already?!?"
2. Denial. "It's early days yet. He's gonna be fine."
3. Bargaining. "A little more time down back will turn him into the perfect all-round footballer".
4. Guilt. "Why did we waste a no. 1 pick on this guy?"
5. Anger. "We wasted a No. 1 pick on THIS guy?"
6. Depression. "Ten years. Four no. 1 draft picks. Another wooden spoon."
7. Acceptance. "Gibbs is Gibbs. What you see is what you get."
I can see a few of you stragglers need to get a hurry-on and join us Enlightened Ones at Stage 7.
Gold