THIS time last year there was little doubt Bryce Gibbs would be taken by Carlton with the No. 1 pick in the national draft.

Like highly fancied ruckman Matthew Kreuzer this season, Gibbs had shown a maturity beyond his years on the football field.

And with the talent came the attention.

Gibbs' father Ross said the hype had initially come as a shock to the family.

But Gibbs Sr said the spotlight had not affected his son in the lead-up to the draft.