Adelaide veteran Bryce Gibbs has informed teammates of his decision to retire, calling an end to a decorated 14-year AFL career.
Gibbs, 31, is set to add one more game to his career tally of 267 this Sunday – fittingly, against his former side Carlton – when he runs out onto Metricon Stadium for the Crows’ penultimate game of the season.
The Glenelg junior played 231 games and kicked 137 goals for the Blues after being selected with Pick No.1 in the 2006 National Draft.
He made his AFL debut in Round One, 2007 and claimed Carlton’s Best First Year Player award, playing every game in his maiden AFL campaign.
The skilful midfielder/half-back won the John Nicholls Medal as Carlton’s best and fairest player in 2014 and achieved top-five finishes in eight of his 11 seasons at Princes Park.
“The Carlton Football Club gave me the opportunity to fulfil a boyhood dream and I cannot thank them enough,” Gibbs said.
“It was home for 11 years and the Club shaped me into the person I am today, and I’ll be forever grateful for everything they have done for me.
“I have given my all in 14 seasons at the top level and I’m looking forward to playing against some of my lifelong friends one final time.”
After returning home to South Australia at the end of 2017, Gibbs continued his impressive form, playing all 22 games to finish fourth in Adelaide’s Club Champion in 2018.
He has played 36 games in three seasons with the Crows.
“I’m so thankful to the Adelaide Football Club for giving me the chance to come home to South Australia and be closer to friends and family,” Gibbs said.
“I would have loved to have played more footy for the Crows and it’s an incredible environment here, and I’ve really enjoyed helping and trying to positively influence the younger blokes.
Crows coach Matthew Nicks paid tribute to Gibbs and the way he has handled himself during a challenging season.
“Bryce has shown tremendous leadership this season, despite not playing as much football as he would have liked,” Nicks said.
“His overall attitude and his desire to pass on his knowledge and experience to our younger players has been first class and he’s truly lived our mantra of prioritising others.
“We firmly believe good things happen when you take that approach, so he will get an opportunity to play this weekend against his old side which will be a great farewell for him.
“Everyone at the Club wishes Bryce, his wife Lauren and their children Charlie and Madison all the best for the future.”
