It seems amazing to think that Bryce Gibbs was only considered the 7th best player eligible to win the NAB Rising Star Award in 2007. He may not have been as flashy as some of the other nominees and the romance may not be there as he was number one selection and not in the 50s, 60s or 70s but when you look at his season he got the job done.

Bryce Gibbs, Julie Gibbs, Ross Gibbs at the 2007 NAB AFL Rising Star Presentation

Bryce turned 18 just prior to the start of the season and he played in every game including the NAB Cup pre-season matches. Importantly he played a vital role for the Blues and was often given the task on one of the opposition’s most dangerous players, particularly the forwards. With all due respect to all the nominees who we all hope to see go on and become great AFL players in the future, you wonder how many of them had the tough assignments during the season.

Carlton supporters will remember Bryce Gibbs lining up on James Hird (Essendon), Chris Johnson (Brisbane), Shannon Grant (Kangaroos), Jeff Farmer (Fremantle), Brett Ebert (Port Adelaide) and being moved onto David Wirrpanda after he had set the game alight in the first quarter at Subiaco. He didn’t flinch, he didn’t worry, he just went about his business in the true team spirit that epitomises his game.

Bryce the judges may have rated you at number 7 for the 2007 season and perhaps that fits in with the Spirit of Carlton theme, the year of the 7s, but you were certainly far more valuable to Carlton than that. Your value to Carlton is measured by your value to the team and that is what you are all about, the team. Make no mistake Selwood is no doubt a worthy winner and Pendlebury had an outstanding second year of AFL football but as for Bryce Gibbs being rated only the  7th best, perhaps it is time to look at the performance and not just the romance of the Award.