Josh Gibcus Biography

Josh Gibcus is set to return in the VFL on Sunday, more than 15 months after his most recent game.

The 2021 pick No.9 has endured a horror run since his debut season, managing only two games since the end of 2022 due to long-term injuries.

But after ticking off training at Punt Road on Wednesday, Gibcus is now expected to play some minutes against Geelong's VFL side at GMHBA Stadium in his next step towards an AFL return.

Josh Gibcus will head to Qatar for specialist treatment on his hamstring.

The 20-year-old played 18 games in his debut season after being selected at pick No. 9 in the 2021 AFL Draft, but didn’t appear once this year after undergoing surgery in January to repair the hamstring tendon he damaged at training.

Gibcus was initially expected to return in the first half of the season but suffered multiple wound infections, muscular atrophy and damage to the nerve supply in the hamstring before he was ruled out for the rest of the campaign by the end of July.

Now the highly rated key defender is set for an intensive rehabilitation block at Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Doha ahead of the start of a new era under Adem Yze this pre-season.

Josh Gibcus will miss the early rounds of the 2023 season after undergoing hamstring surgery.

Josh Gibcus suffers a hamstring injury during training that could sideline him for the start of the 2023 season.

Josh Gibcus makes his AFL debut for Richmond at the MCG with 10 disposals (3 kicks and 7 handballs) and 5 marks in a 25-point loss to Carlton.

Richmond select Josh Gibcus with pick No.9 in the 2021 National Draft.

Draft Report: Gibcus was added to the NAB AFL Academy squad in April after an outstanding start to the NAB League season as a key defender. A good size, he also has a big leap and is considered an elite intercept mark. Gibcus has a strong ability to read the play and knows when to stay tight on his opponent and when to drop off. He caught the eye in the AFL Academy game against Geelong's VFL side in April, having an impact down back with 11 disposals and four marks, and has been an excitement machine in the NAB League with the Rebels given his aerial abilities. Composure and good ball use by foot round out a player who is shaping as a likely top-10 selection.