Carlton has ensured Bryce Gibbs won’t hit the open market as a free agent this summer after coming to terms with the midfielder on a new five-year deal.
The Blues offer of around $600,000 per season until the end of the 2019 was enough to lock in Gibbs, who was expected to receive more lucrative offers from home state clubs Adelaide and Port Adelaide in the off-season.
“It is nice to finally get it done – it probably took a little bit more time than what the club and myself would have liked,” he said.
“But we all know we can’t rush these things and I’m just glad it’s done now.
“I was happy to sign for as long as possible, whether it was four or five years.
“I wanted to deal with Carlton and Carlton only.”
Carlton’s No.1 pick in the 2006 national draft has squashed criticism regarding his on-field consistency in 2014, averaging 25 disposals and five clearances per contest this season, including 10 games with 23 or more possessions. The 25-year-old is leading the Blues in clearances (5.6), contested possessions (10.9) and inside 50s (4.1).
“I always told my management that I wanted to stay at Carlton,” Gibbs said.
“I believe this group can take the club where it wants to go, and I want to be a part of it.”
An eight-point loss saw the Blues drop a fourth straight to Greater Western Sydney last Sunday, but Gibbs chose to throw his support behind beleaguered coach Mick Malthouse at Tuesday’s press conference.
“I rate Mick really highly as a coach and he’s definitely taught me a lot in the short time he’s been here,” Gibbs said.
“So I certainly hope he can stick around.”
The 4-9 Blues could drift further away from finals footy conversation when they face another tough ask in Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday.
Photo: Michael Dodge/Getty Images
