Michael Gibbons Biography

Michael Gibbons says he was left bemused by the reasons behind his delisting from Carlton after not being given the opportunity to show his craft in the midfield.

"I never played one minute in the midfield for the Blues. It never really occurred to me at the time because I was happy playing as a forward and learning the craft that way and thought I was contributing that way," Gibbons said on SEN radio.

In his second year with the Blues, Michael Gibbons has been performing solidly as a forward in a series of important statistical categories.

"He's having more of an impact, in terms of his score involvements. Those simple things, like the understanding of playing to our system and the craft, positioning and patterns involved in that, they mean that we can function better," Carlton's forward line coach Cameron Bruce said.

"What he does better than a lot of others is that he trains at genuine intensity. That gives himself the best possible chance to improve and that's why he's able to have an impact."

Carlton pre-season recruit signings Michael Gibbons and Hugh Goddard re-sign with the Blues to remain at the club in 2020.

"Michael and Hugh walked into our football club with a point to prove and their professionalism and work ethic impressed us all, right from day one," Carlton's list boss Stephen Silvagni said.

"Both guys have made the most of their opportunity at AFL level and have fit in really well into our system. We are looking forward to seeing them continue to develop and hone their craft next season."

Michael Gibbons makes his AFL debut for Carlton at the MCG with 11 disposals (5 kicks and 6 handballs), 2 marks and 3 tackles in a 33-point loss to Richmond.

Carlton recruit Michael Gibbons has revealed a message from Richmond premiership star Kane Lambert helped to inspire his long journey to an AFL list.

The pair played a season together with Williamstown in the VFL, with Gibbons revealing that Lambert had stayed in touch in an effort to help motivate his journey to an AFL club.

"He reached out after the draft when I missed out," Gibbons said.

"Someone like him, who gritted for a long time and eventually got a chance and showed he could do it, he's definitely a good role model for me to look up to."

Carlton signs Michael Gibbons and Matt Cottrell as rookies for the 2019 AFL season.

The pair had been training with the Blues since December and were eligible to sign for the club until March 15 under the AFL's new pre-season supplemental selection period rules.

Dual JJ Liston Trophy winner Michael Gibbons is invited to train with Carlton during its pre-season campaign.

Carlton retained one vacancy on its rookie list after the list lodgement deadline but could open a second availability following an ACL injury sustained by co-captain Sam Docherty.