Former Blues champion Greg Williams, known as 'Diesel' in his playing days, has been working with Gibbs after taking up an invitation from his former teammate, Carlton coach Brett Ratten, early in the season.
While the dual Brownlow Medallist has reportedly encouraged captain Chris Judd to be more creative and adventurous, Williams is also behind Gibbs' rapid development, getting him to work harder on the training track.
The 2006 No. 1 pick, who has played 35 games, is determined to avoid the common second-year blues.
Although he has shown the skills and footy smarts to find teammates in heavy traffic, Gibbs said his ability to 'gut run', apply second and third efforts and follow up his disposals were areas he needed to improve.
"Greg Williams has been on my back – he thinks I can train harder and he's been pushing me at training," Gibbs revealed.
"It was probably a good kick up the backside I needed. All the feedback – things I need to improve on – is great. I can really work on it.
"Guys like Greg Williams telling you what you need to improve on, of course you're going to listen and take it on board because he's out there to get the best out of you."
Gibbs believed his stronger work ethic had shone through for the Blues in the past month.
In response to the demands of his coach after his efforts against Geelong, he nullified Port Adelaide's playmaker Chad Cornes in round 11.
Gibbs then tagged Collingwood rebounding defender Heath Shaw out of the contest the following week, keeping Shaw to one disposal in the first half.
In the second half, Gibbs became an offensive threat with his 12 disposals helping the Blues come from behind to beat the Magpies.
And last Saturday against the Tigers, with the Blues missing Judd, Gibbs was released from a stopping role on Brett Deledio to have 20 possessions, kick three goals and set up at least two others.
It was his first goal against the Tigers that would have pleased Williams most.
After marking the ball at half-back, Gibbs found Simon Wiggins forward of centre, before running to half-forward to provide an option for Brad Fisher.
Instead, Fisher kicked the ball to a contest inside the forward line and, while Carlton maintained possession, Gibbs waited to receive a handball from Adam Bentick and duly snapped a goal.
"I think it (working with Williams) is starting to pay off," Gibbs said.
"There's still a long way to go but it's slowly getting there.
"As they say, if it starts on the track, it works in the game, so I think that's been a massive thing over last the month."
With a team-orientated focus, Gibbs said he was unfazed about playing as a defensive stopper or free-wheeling midfielder.
"It really doesn't bother me – whether it's in the back pocket, forward pocket, run-with role, free to do what I want, I'm just happy playing and anything to do for the team is good."
