The Carlton Football Club embarked on the second stage of its journey under senior coach Brendon Bolton in 2017.

After registering six wins, the Blues finished the season in 16th place on the ladder.

Despite falling four points short of the 2016 season, Carlton won more quarters in 2017, demonstrating the growth of the playing group in its second year with Bolton at the helm.

With the team now on a break, we’re analysing each player’s year in statistics. Here’s the review for Carlton’s No. 4, Bryce Gibbs.  

GAMES

Season 2017: 22

Career: 231

GOALS 

Season 2017: 17

Career: 137

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets):

Disposals: 590 (26.82) Kicks: 362 (16.45) Handballs: 228 (10.36) Marks: 114 (5.18) Contested Possessions: 223 (10.14) Tackles: 129 (5.86) Clearances: 112 (5.09)

OVERVIEW

For the second straight year, Gibbs featured in every one of the Blues’ 22 matches.

As one of the men to stop in Carlton’s 22 in 2017, the 28-year-old led the way through the middle to finish the season ranked first at the Club for clearances.

He also finished second for contested possessions (223) and score involvements (123) and third for effective disposals (411).

 

Remarkably, Gibbs matched his 2016 career-high disposal count, equalling 590 possessions in his 11th season.

Sitting on 231 career games, Gibbs will strive to notch up his 250th milestone at the pointy end of the 2018 season.

BEST PERFORMANCE 

Gibbs’ finest on-field display was undoubtedly against Gold Coast in Round 13.

With a heroic 43 disposals, 10 tackles, eight score involvements and 810 metres gained, the 28-year-old steered the Blues to their first interstate win of the season, earning the maximum 10 AFL Coaches' Association votes in the process.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

Booming with confidence against the Suns, Gibbs could do no wrong.

So, when the opportunity arose to return his side to lead in the fourth quarter, a crafty Gibbs baulked around Gold Coast’s Pearce Hanley to slot the six-pointer from 40 metres out.

The major was the midfielder’s first of two final-quarter goals in the Round 13 clash.