As he says now, he learned at an early age to make the most of his opportunities.
Six years down the track that was Sibosado's message to the community he is now a role model and a leader for when he returned home during Fremantle's Telstra AFL Community Camp.
Sibosado was joined by Rhys Palmer for the visit to Lombadina, a community of around 50 people on the Dampier Peninsula, and the 18-year-old said a lot had changed since he left home in 2003.
"It was very different – I was perceived in a different way from everyone in the community," Sibosado told fremantlefc.com.au.
"I'm no longer just a member of the community. I'm a role model and a leader to a lot of the young people back home."
Fremantle's community camp was about reaching its regional fans but also promoting healthy lifestyles and staying in school. On both counts Sibosado is almost as good a role model as the people of Lombadina could have asked for.
After moving to the Aboriginal community as a three-year-old Sibosado returned to Derby, his place of birth, to live with his Nanna.
In 2006 he moved to Melbourne to chase his dream of playing AFL football, studying at Xavier College and playing football for the Oakleigh Chargers in the TAC Cup.
"I spoke to the school kids about the basics – the importance of school and what it can open up for you," Sibosado said. "I explained what it had done for me and how, after I took my opportunity, doors opened up from there and led me to AFL football.
"I also spoke about diet and what you need to eat to lead a healthy lifestyle and the importance of exercise."
Sibosado said the community was crying out for sporting role models and he hoped that his football club's trip had made an impact.
"They play a lot of sports so I think it's important that our professional athletes have actually got the opportunity to speak to them," he said. "Someone who they can relate to easily and someone that's grown up in the same environment [makes it easier]."
Sibosado said he had received a lot of support and advice since arriving at Fremantle via the 2008 NAB AFL Rookie Draft.
But while he soaks up all the footy tips he can from players like Matthew Pavlich and Des Headland, the advice Sibosado gave during last week's trip may prove just as valuable.
"I said that to the kids, you've just got to think about what you want to do, have no excuses and be responsible for yourself.
"Learn at an early age to make the most of your opportunities."
