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EARLIER this week, Carlton coach Brett Ratten approached Bryce Gibbs and asked him if he'd mind taking on a dual league best and fairest in just his 37th game.

The response from the 19-year-old, second-year player? No worries.

"I thought it was a great opportunity to play on a two-time Brownlow Medallist," Gibbs said, after the game.

"I was looking forward to the challenge. It's not the same when you don't win, but it's good to play on someone of that calibre and I definitely got a lot out of it."

Not only did Gibbs take on the role with enthusiasm and dedication, but he kept the Swans' champion to a paltry seven possessions, two goals, after rendering him almost ineffective in the first half.

It was this performance that prompted Ratten to unofficially award Gibbs best on ground honours after the match, and saw him state last year's No.1 draft pick has the newfound confidence to take on such tough assignments.

"We're seeing a kid that can play pretty much any position on the field, but you can really see his belief and he can impose himself on the game," he said.

"We're starting to see that now."

Gibbs was critical of his final term against the superstar, with Goodes breaking away at one point deep in the pocket to boot a telling goal. The young Blue was left face down on the turf after the Swan escaped his clutches.  

"There were no excuses. Good players rise to the top when it counts, and he kicked a couple of goals towards the end there," he said.

"I was just buggered and I gave my best effort and he just got away from me at that time."

However, he wouldn't exchange the challenge of facing off with such a big name for escaping such a let-down, as he rates the process as a learning experience.

"I had some big roles last year, James Hird and that sort of thing," he said.

"I look forward to it every week. To play on blokes like that, you're going to get so much out of it, and I have."

Gibbs said he is enjoying his football much more this year, as he's being used more as a midfielder/run with player rather than the defender he was played as in 2007.

"It's helped a bit more this year with winning some games," he said.

"The spirit and mentality lifts you up a bit. We're not far away; we've just got to keep sticking at it. We're such a young side and the more footy we play together, the better we're getting.

"I'm absolutely loving it, and I love being around the boys."