INJURED North Melbourne defender Josh Gibson has been on a steep learning curve while on the sidelines the past few weeks.

Gibson, presently mid-way through a Property Development degree at RMIT, has been working closely with property developer and North Melbourne 2008 coaches sponsor Aspen Group.

"I am interested in a career in property development once my playing days wind up so working with such an influential property investment company in the Aspen Group is really beneficial," Gibson said.

North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley updated the media and members about Gibson's recovery on Thursday, rating him a "50/50" chance to return early to the team for the club's Round 7 clash with Adelaide in the city of churches.

Aspen group, match-day sponsor for the North Melbourne-Sydney clash on Sunday, is an ASX listed property investment and funds management group, focused on acquiring quality property assets and creating and managing innovative property funds and syndicates.

Formed in 2001, Aspen has progressed rapidly as evidenced by its inclusion in the S&P/ASX 300 index and assets under management which are now in excess of $1.4 billion.

Gibson said continuing to work and learn from key management at Aspen Group has helped him immensely in his knowledge of the industry.

"Aspen's strength lies within the Group's broad expertise across property acquisition, development and management enabling the Group to provide leading edge property solutions," he said.

And if Gibson's off-field credentials soar as quickly as they have on-field expect him to be a big player in the property development industry sooner rather than later.