NAB Challenge - Carlton v Hawthorn @ Aurora Stadium

[SPORNTON]

On Gibbs - whilst I get as annoyed as anyone with his occasional lackadaisical performances, I wonder whether there is something coaches and club see in him that we don't ?

If what is touted around here is fair and accurate, how is it possible that he has managed to stooge 3 successive regimes (4 if you count Den Den) ?

Something doesn't add up.

It's a simple answer PaulP.  Initially Gibbs was given time as a developing youngster, so Pagan was patient.  Then Ratten noted that Gibbs was often played out of position under the previous regime, so he was given more time to establish himself as a mid.  Then under Malthouse, for the first year senile Mick was FIXATED on his love affair with Bryce when previously coaching him in the International Rules Series (?????????).  Then Gibbs had his first belter of a season and was re-signed for 5 years.  As for now, well, Bolton is taking last year with a grain of salt as Gibbs was injured for much of it and we were a laughing stock.  Still, I, and a select group of enlightened others noted in Gibbs' limited performances last year he completely lacked any desire whatsoever, and we saw it again last night.

I'm uncertain how Bolton views Gibbs yet.  The fact that he lost out to Simpson on VC in his twilight suggests he isn't as highly rated as under previous regimes.  God I hope so.  The day Gibbs gets dropped for even a single match is the day I will need to change my underpants.