GIBCUS HAS EYE OF THE TIGER
I’ll Watch out guys, player. take down any RICHMOND RECRUIT’S RARING TO GO
JOSH Gibcus has issued an ominous warning to Richmond’s rivals and the new age key forward monsters of the competition.
“Watch out guys, I’ll take down any player,” Gibcus said moments after being drafted.
The high-leaping key defender (pictured) also wants to propel Richmond to its next premiership.
This confidence is not for show. Gibcus, who became a Tiger with the ninth selection in the AFL draft, walks the talk on the field.
And he is up for any challenge, highlighted by his shutdown job on the leading key forward in the draft, Western Bulldogs father-son and No.2 selection Sam Darcy.
Coming off a dominant sixgoal haul in a Victorian trial that saw him rocket up draft boards, the red-hot Darcy was restricted to six disposals and two goals by the new Tiger in the under-19 Victorian Challenge clash in July.
The 197cm draftee attacks the ball in the air like his life depends on it, resembling AllAustralian Demon Jake Lever, in the NAB League for the Greater Western Victoria Rebels, with his intercept marking, remarkable spring and speed off the mark – traits that can stop athletic goalkicking machines Harry McKay, Ben King and Max King in the future.
The East Point product led the NAB League for intercept marks and intercept possessions and shapes as an exciting replacement for retired three-time premiership Tiger David Astbury, another graduate from the Rebels program.
A Brisbane supporter after living in Queensland during his early life, Gibcus has kept a watchful eye on the Tigers, with members of his family following the club.
While key position players generally take time to develop, the St Patrick’s College graduate is eager to help the Tigers win their next flag.
“I’ve been following them for quite a bit ... got to watch them win a couple of flags and hopefully when I get there, I can help them win a flag,” he said. “I have had a dream to be in the AFL since about five years old when I started Auskick up in Queensland, and honestly just to be called out tonight by Richmond at pick nine...I’mstoked.
“I’m an athletic key defender, I’m pretty much an intercept-marking defender. I’ll bring my vertical leap, my marking ability and my ability to read the play.”
Considered by Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast, Gibcus looms as a draft bargain for the Tigers.
Rebels coach David Loader said the youngster was the modern prototype defender.
“He’s the new age defender,” Loader said. “He’s 197cm, he’s quick, he’s got good endurance, he’s quite agile and he’s got a massive leap. He is the perfect prototype to play on the up-andcoming gun forwards of the competition.”