Carlton and Adelaide have got the wheels moving on a trade involving midfielder Bryce Gibbs, according to SEN’s Matt Granland and Brian Waldron.
Granland told SEN’s Hungry For Sport that “dialogue has started between Carlton and Adelaide.”
It’s expected the Crows will offload picks 10 and 16 for Gibbs. However, Adelaide wants something else in return from the Blues, which could be a future draft selection.
Gibbs requested a trade to the Crows last season, but Adelaide couldn’t match the Blues’ demands of two first round picks. While he hasn’t officially requested a move to his hometown South Australia throughout this NAB AFL Trade Period, Waldron says Gibbs is still keen on the potential deal.
“It has been really difficult because Gibbs himself has maintained his professionalism, but all along behind the scenes, I think he has indicated if something could be done he would go,” he said.
“Now that Carlton have made the call, it means internally at Carlton they’ve came to an acceptance that maybe if we can get this done and go with more kids, it’ll be better for us. The window with Gibbs probably isn’t there.”
Throughout the last month, both clubs have stated they will no longer pursue negotiations regarding Gibbs. However, the situation seems to have shifted, with the Blues looking to move past the 28-year-old.
Former St Kilda and Hawthorn list manager Chris Pelchen urged Carlton to trade Gibbs on SEN Breakfast this morning.
“Brendon Bolton is very reluctant to trade Bryce and I can understand that,” he said.
“He is a coach going into his third year, and he clearly needs to see improvement based on the first two years. They’ll only give you that honeymoon period for so long. I understand Brendon’s position, but if you put that to one side, for the club I think Carlton should do the deal.
“Ultimately, the value of Bryce Gibbs is going to drop significantly over the next 12 months, which isn’t saying his footy is going to fall off a cliff, it’s basically his longevity in the game will limit his value after this year.”
Gibbs averaged 26.8 disposals at 70 percent efficiency, 381.2 metres gained, 10.1 contested possessions, 5.9 tackles, 5.6 score involvements and 5.0 clearances in 2017.