As Round 1 of the AFL season draws closer, Carlton midfielder Bryce Gibbs says the coaches and players are “not wasting a minute at the Club” as the Blues strive to learn a new game plan under coach Brendon Bolton.
After resting up over Christmas and New Year, the team has resumed pre-season training at Ikon Park, with the aim to absorb as much information as possible before the season kicks off.
Whether the players are learning on the training track, discussing tactics in meetings or watching vision, Bolton is “pushing the boundaries” when it comes to time spent at the Club – ensuring his men are fully prepared.
Gibbs, who is entering his tenth season at the Blues, says the playing group is really “thriving” under Bolton’s direction and his team of assistants.
“I’ve been really impressed not only with Brendon but with all the new assistant coaches that they’ve brought to the Club,” Gibbs told SEN on Monday.
“The majority of the coaching panel has changed and they’ve all come from successful footy clubs and they’re bringing a lot of things to the table.”
This change in personnel has been the catalyst for new ideas and a renewed approach to the game plan.
“We are doing a lot of things that we’ve never done before, we’ve stripped it right back and started again,” Gibbs said.
“We’re learning a lot of new defensive techniques and offensive techniques, and each coaching is bringing their little part they’ve learnt along the way.
“I’ve been really impressed with all of them (coaches) how well they’re teaching the group – it’s been really refreshing.”
Part of this new plan includes uniting the team as a whole and being more “team orientated” on the field.
“We’re probably looking to do things a bit more collectively this season…in the past we’ve probably relied on a few too many to get the job done.”
On a personal note the 26-year-old says he’s looking forward to hitting the park in 2016 after being hampered by a pectoral injury last season.
“I’m going well, I’ve been doing the whole program so far, so I’ve fully recovered from that pec injury which has been nice.”
If you’d like to meet Bryce Gibbs and the rest of the Carlton team, make sure you attend the Blues Family Day on Sunday 7 February. Click here for more information.
