THE curtain has been drawn on an unprecedented 2020 season for the Navy Blues.

Trading Ikon Park for 10 different hotel hubs across Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, it’s been a year we won’t soon forget.

With the final siren having rung on the final game, it’s time to look at those who featured in five or more games for Carlton or made their AFL debuts in 2020.

Here’s the year that was for Carlton’s Michael Gibbons. 

GAMES?

2020: 15
Career: 36

GOALS?

2020: 11
Career: 27

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets):

Disposals: 207 (13.8) Marks: 51 (3.4) Contested possessions: 68 (8.5) Tackles: 42 (4.5) Clearances: 23 (1.5) Score involvements: 65 (4.3)

OVERVIEW?

Michael Gibbons had another consistent season in his second year, earning him an upgrade from the rookie list to the senior list in 2021. 

Playing an important small-forward role for the Blues, Gibbons' classy footwork, elite running and work rate saw him become a consistent performer in the forward half, as well as having a few burst-out moments through the middle. 

Earning a spot in the inaugural NSW State of Origin team, Gibbons has embedded himself as an important part of the Carlton line-up, missing just three games in two seasons.

BEST PERFORMANCE

On a hot and sticky night in Darwin, Gibbons took on the game against Gold Coast in Sir Doug Nicholls Round. 

Snagging two goals, Gibbons also racked up 19 disposals and five tackles in a bright showing up forward. 

Alongside a career-high 10 score involvements, Gibbons earned himself an AFLCA vote for his performance on-field in arguably his best performance to date. 

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

In Round 6 against the Bulldogs, the Blues pulled off a classy slew of tackles resulting in a goal off Gibbons’ boot. 

A wave of forward pressure finally reaped reward for the Blues when Gibbons snapped a goal at a crucial time in the second term, with as many as six teammates to thank in the passage of play.

00:34

R6 | Blues somehow survive ferocious wave, Gibbons goals

Carlton withstand a series of tenacious tackles from the Bulldogs and manage to muster another goal through Michael Gibbons.

THEY SAID IT

On finally gaining an AFL spot, Gibbons was elated to be playing at Carlton for another year.

“I have loved every minute of it and every bump along the way has been a learning curve,” Gibbons said.

“I’m definitely proud. The best thing about being here is the lads are all very close mates and I’ve bonded with them. I’ve got mates here for life and I can’t wait to spend more years with them.”