SAM GIBSON is one of football's most successful late bloomers and his unlikely AFL journey will continue for another two years, with the midfielder signing a new deal with North Melbourne.
Gibson had to wait until he was 26 to make his AFL debut, in round 12, 2012, against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.
But the former Box Hill Hawks captain grabbed that opportunity and ran with it.
"I'm really happy North Melbourne gave me a chance when not many other clubs really considered me," Gibson said on Friday.
"To have another few years and be a bit more settled now is really good.
"You look at what I was doing five years ago and how much things have changed now – it's a big change and one I've welcomed."
Some opponents would say Gibson has not stopped running since given a chance at North, showcasing his ability to push into space late in games when everyone else is running on the spot.
Gibson has played every game since his debut – a streak that now stands at 48 consecutive games – and has become an invaluable part of North's on-ball division.
The former Hawthorn rookie's growing standing at North was underlined when he was added to the Roos' leadership group at the start of this season.
Opposition teams are also starting to recognise Gibson's importance to North, with Adelaide tagging him in its round 13 win over the Roos.
Gibson is averaging 25 possessions a game in 2014, but it is his ability to rack up uncontested possessions that stands out.
The 28-year-old is averaging 19.8 uncontested possessions a game this year, with only Port Adelaide veteran Kane Cornes winning more (20.8).
"At 28 I've still got a lot of improvement, which is strange to think because I am that older type player," he said.
"I see myself as a third or fourth-year player as far as advancement in the AFL goes.
"This year I've been lucky to have that consistent block of games and the more I'm able to play the more I get used to the pace of the game.
"The natural progression of another big pre-season and more time at AFL level has really helped."
Gibson spent 2007 on Hawthorn's rookie list but his AFL hopes seemed dashed when he was delisted at the end of that season.
But Gibson earned a second chance after a stellar 2011 VFL season with Box Hill, when he averaged 28 possessions a game and won the club's best and fairest.
The Roos selected him with pick No. 63 in that year's Rookie Draft, with the former mature-age recruit now set to be at Arden Street until at least the end of 2016.
