OUT-OF-FAVOUR Adelaide midfielder Bryce Gibbs admits he was at odds with the Crows match committee about getting dropped and had strong conversations with coach Don Pyke.
But after venting his frustrations and getting a few things off his chest, the 30-year-old says he's more determined than ever to reclaim his spot in the side.
Pyke said last week that Gibbs needed to become more consistent in areas of his game, which AFL.com.au understands to include his defensive running and work at stoppages.
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Gibbs has been dropped twice this season, along with missing the round six win against St Kilda with gastro and the round eight Showdown victory over Port Adelaide with a back injury.
Gibbs has played 259 games, including 28 at the Crows, after coming across from Carlton at the end of 2017 on a four-year deal.
"Being a more senior player, I certainly feel more comfortable having a stronger conversation with Don," Gibbs told RSN 927 on Tuesday morning.
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"I questioned some of the decisions match committee made and it was a little bit confronting at times, but that's the way it goes.
"That's signs of a healthy relationship you have with your coach.
"I was seeking clarity and reasons for their decision and he passed those answers on to me.
"Once that happens, you feel more comfortable with it.
"It's important to talk through those things and vent a little bit and get a few things off your chest because you are going to be disappointed.
"Although the conversations can be hard and they're not easy to have, they're important to have.
"And once you have them, you feel a lot better."
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Gibbs was left out of the Crows team that lost to West Coast by 12 points last weekend, despite having 22 disposals and kicking two goals in the previous week's one-point loss against Brisbane.
"It hasn't panned out the way I would've liked the last month, due to some injury and to some form, I suppose, finding my way out of the side," Gibbs said.
"It's off the back of what I thought was a solid game and a solid performance.
"I'm determined as ever to get back into the side.
"I know what I can bring to this group and I think I can make a difference."
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Gibbs isn't the only big name on the outer at the Crows.
Key forward Josh Jenkins – who has kicked at least 40 goals in each of the past five seasons – has been overlooked in favour of youngster Elliott Himmelberg since round five.
"It makes guys think about their games a lot more and know that their spot in the side isn't going to be a guaranteed thing," Gibbs said.
"If you come into the side, you're expected to perform your role in the team.
"The only thing you can do is go back, take the feedback on board, go back to the SANFL and try your best to push for selection again."
The Crows (5-5) take on Melbourne (3-7) in Darwin on Saturday night.
