The non-trade of Bryce Gibbs to the Adelaide Crows during last year’s trade period in October has been discussed and analysed at length with Carlton playing hard ball during the trade negotiations.

Opinion among experts was divided on whether the Blues should have allowed Gibbs to depart. Or have him honour his contract since he was only two years into a five year deal. Ultimately the clubs could not agree to a deal and Gibbs remained at Carlton.

Great history at Carlton

Bryce Gibbs has certainly given Carlton quality service. He has been extremely durable since he arrived at the club as the number 1 pick in the 2006 draft. The South Australian made his debut in round 1 2007 and notched up game 200 last year. 2015 is the only season that Gibbs has played less than 20 games in a single year.

Statistically Bryce Gibbs has been one of the most consistent performers at Carlton during his tenure. Between 2008-2016 he has averaged over 20 disposals per match.

He was the best first year player at the club in 2007 and his greatest individual honour was winning the John Nicholls medal as the club’s best & fairest in 2014.

Gibbs is well respected within the club even after the failed move to Adelaide. As evidenced by his re-election into the leadership group for the 2017 season. Fellow Blue Dennis Armfield had no hesitation in throwing his support behind the decision of Gibbs remaining in the leadership group.

“He’s probably been one of the best on the track. So there was no doubt in my mind or the players’ minds or the team’s mind that he was going to be a leader of this club.”

Will a move to Adelaide eventuate?

Carlton CEO Steven Trigg earlier this month made a comment on radio. He would not be surprised if Adelaide tried to re-start negotiations for a trade at the end of this season. But the CEO is comfortable with the initial decision made to keep the 28 year-old at the club.

“Bryce had three years left on his contract, loves the Carlton footy club and loves living in Melbourne. There were some other circumstances surrounding it. It would have had to have been an unbelievable deal. Metaphorically, we dug the heels in and people can make of that what they will. But on every layer I reflect on that and think it was the right decision to have made.”

Midfield was an area Adelaide identified as needing reinforcements after they were smashed in last-years semi-final against Sydney. Currently sitting on top of the table with plenty of emerging talent, perhaps Gibbs will not be seen as much as a priority if performance continues to trend as it is.

Based on last year’s negotiations, both parties will have some work to do on coming to an agreement both consider fair and reasonable.

Bryce Gibbs still doing the job

The opening three rounds has emphasised how valuable Gibbs still is to Carlton. He has started the season impressively. In the Blues first win of 2017, the midfielder had 35 disposals and laid 9 tackles in the victory over the Bombers. It follows on the opening two rounds in which he gathered 26 and 25 disposals.

The Carlton list is a young one and the veteran’s leadership and experience is still important this year and beyond. The Blues side that won last Sunday included 12 players under 25 years of age.

No one knows what the future holds and where Bryce Gibbs will play his football in 2018. But Blues fans can rest assured, based on the early rounds, that performance will not be an issue from their midfielder. Bryce Gibbs is fully committed to Carlton in 2017.

by Liam Sheedy – contributor

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