Bryce Gibbs has been dropped by Adelaide … again.
The Crows swung eight changes at the selection table for Wednesday night’s clash with Melbourne and the veteran midfielder was one of the omissions.
Gibbs picked up 12 disposals, more than the majority of the team, and used the ball well in Adelaide’s loss to North Melbourne, but has once again found himself on the outer.
After multiple years in and out of the team, former Coleman Medallist Scott Cummings and SEN commentator Jack Heverin discussed the bewildering situation surrounding the 31-year-old on SEN’s Match Committee.
Cummings: “(Gibbs) wasn’t dreadful last week.”
Heverin: “I didn’t think so. It feels like they’re wasting each other’s time now, doesn’t it? The Crows are going in a different direction. You talk about premiership windows and being around for the next premiership, Bryce Gibbs’ kids might not be around for their next premiership the way things are going. They seem to be wasting each other’s time and it’s almost embarrassing.”
Cummings: “Is there more to it? We know what sort of footballer he is. We know what he brings. We know his strengths and we know his weaknesses, but Gibbs at his best, they’re 18th, he’s in the worst team’s best 22.”
Heverin: “Surely.”
Cummings: “This has been going on for a couple of years now so it’s not a lingering relationship from previous coaches. There’s surely something else going on, whether he’s cracked it. I’m not saying he has, but maybe he’s not giving his best on and off the field to the Crows, but it’s probably a sad way for him to finish (his career).”
Adelaide picked up Bryce Gibbs from Carlton back in 2017, giving up two first round selections to bring the midfielder to the club.
The 2006 number one draft pick was coming off a career best season and had built a resume of consistently strong performances for the Blues across his career.
After a strong first year with Adelaide, his career has fizzled out slowly.