A STIRRING second half of the season will have Carlton full of confidence with 2019 coming to a close. 

Familiar faces fired in Navy Blue while the Club’s emerging youngsters owned the future in a campaign which saw the Blues record seven wins for the year. 

With the home-and-away season now over, we’re going through every player who featured for Carlton at senior level in 2019. 

Here’s the year that was for Carlton’s No. 40, Michael Gibbons.  

GAMES

2019: 21 

GOALS

2019: 16

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets):

Disposals: 308 (14.7) Marks: 69 (3.3) Kicks: 196 (9.3) Contested possessions: 99 (4.7) Tackles: 3 (1.5) Pressure acts: 345 (16.7) Inside 50s: 67 (3.2)

OVERVIEW

Years of hard work paid off for Michael Gibbons when he was finally rewarded with a well deserved spot on an AFL list in the supplemental selection period. 

Carlton’s punt on the two-time J.J. Liston Trophy winner was repaid, with the 24-year-old only missing one game in his debut season. 

Despite having made his name as a talented midfielder for Williamstown, Gibbons was able to show great versatility when given the task of spending more time in the Blues’ forward line. 

Growing into the role, Gibbons’ pressure and football smarts saw him add an important layer to the Blues’ forward line mix - as he finished with 16 goals for the year. 

BEST PERFORMANCE

Gibbons really hit his stride when the Blues took on the Lions in Round 12. 

The Blues had their backs against the wall, trailing the in-form Lions by as much as 37 points. While the day was known for Patrick Cripps’ dominance, Gibbons more than played his part, getting the ball rolling with Carlton’s first goal of the game. 

From there, he showed great poise and class, moving between the forward line and midfield to finish the day with 23 disposals, nine contested possessions and two important goals in a memorable comeback win. 

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

There were plenty of on-field highlights for Gibbons in 2019, but there wasn’t a better feel-good moment than when he found out he would given his opportunity at the elite level. 

Following Carlton’s pre-season camp on the Sunshine Coast, Gibbons - and fellow pre-season trainee Michael Cottrell - were informed that they would officially be Blues.

After the celebration with the rest of his teammates, Gibbons was able to then enjoy a touching moment with his family, calling them to tell them the good news.   

THEY SAID IT

As Gibbons showed he truly belonged at the elite level, development coach Jason Davenport was full of praise for the No.40 on Carlton Coaches’ Corner.

“His ability to win one-on-one contests when the ball is on the ground is quite exceptional and no doubt some of that craft comes from his midfield time.

“He’s continuing to grow his game and he’ll start to see more time in the midfield as the year goes on.”