MICHAEL Gibbons knew that there’d be an opportunity.

Having bided his time as the VFL’s premier midfielder, Gibbons burst onto the AFL scene last year, playing a role across half forward in Navy Blue.

He set his sights on more midfield minutes in pre-season, and his individual performance yesterday was a strong launching pad.

Described by Senior Coach David Teague as a source of energy around the ball, Gibbons impressed in his role as a fifth midfielder in the agonising defeat to Melbourne.

04:04

R2 | Goals of the week

Watch all the goals from the Round 2 match against Melbourne.

The 25-year-old said he was hoping to put his hand up in a meaningful way going forward.

“It was good to get up around the ball… I’d love to get a few more minutes in the midfield, but it’s more about whatever we need,” Gibbons said post-match.

“I feel like I’m working into that forward role, obviously it’s not my natural position. If I can pinch hit in the middle and give us a different look as a fifth midfielder, I’m more than happy to do that.

05:17

R2 | Teague post-match

David Teague speaks to the media after the Round 2 match against Melbourne.

“Opportunity is a massive thing and I got that, so hopefully I put my name forward. Whatever I can do to help the boys continue to grow, get us going and move this club forward, that’s what I’m here to do. “

In reduced game time, Gibbons collected 15 disposals, laid five tackles and kicked a clutch last-quarter goal as Carlton threatened to overturn another slow start.

The frustration and disappointment was evident for Gibbons, who maintained that actions speak louder than words.

01:24

Pittonet: We need to be ruthless with this

Marc Pittonet spoke to Carlton Media after the Round 2 match against Melbourne.

“It was really disappointing to start the way we did. We need to make sure the complete element is at the forefront,” he said.

“Sure, we’ll take some positives out of it, but there’s no shying away from it. We want to be a team that wins games. We don’t want to be a team that’s admirable in defeat anymore.

“We’re giving ourselves opportunities to win these close ones. We’ve got to stop playing three quarters of footy.”

Gibbons hit the scoreboard in a meaningful way in the final term, sparking the Blues to life with a classy goal from the right forward pocket.

The assist came from Eddie Betts — someone Gibbons said it was an honour to play alongside.

“It’s grouse. Eddie is an absolute star of the competition,” he said.

“On and off the field, he’s been awesome for me and the other boys.

“He’s a really good person and a star on the field. It’s pretty cool to say you’ve played alongside Eddie Betts.”