MICHAEL Gibbons knows a fair bit about having to wait to play football.

He just never thought this would be the situation he found himself in.

This time last year, Gibbons had played the first seven games of his first season uninterrupted after a five-year wait. He was readying himself to play in front of 70,000 people at the MCG against Collingwood.

It’s no surprise that his full focus is on football returning and adding to his 21 games in the Navy Blue.

He’s done enough waiting over the year.

“It’s definitely [frustrating], especially because I came in late last year and didn’t get a full pre-season,” Gibbons said on SEN’s Bob and Andy.

“It was a whirlwind for me. To take a breath, it was good to reflect on last year but I set myself for a really big year.

“I got to train with the mids on and off and I got to have a full pre-season with the lads and I felt a lot more comfortable.”

Of course, Gibbons - who has just returned to Melbourne from Yarrawonga - is completely understanding of the wider situation.

The 24-year-old said he and the playing group want to use their standing to bring joy to the community.

“This is a global thing: it’s not just about the AFL and it’s not just about us getting back to play footy,” he said.

“There are people worse off than us.

“If we can get back to playing footy anytime soon and that can bring joy to everyone, we’re more than happy to help.

“Fingers crossed that we can get some footy soon.”