Carlton gun midfielder Sam Walsh has singled out praise for underrated Blue Michael Gibbons, saying the energy he brings to the group is one of his best attributes.
The 25-year-old joined the Blues as a supplemental rookie selection in 2019 after playing five years with Williamstown in VFL and his now a mainstay in the side.
Gibbons has averaged 18 touches from three games this season, while also kicking six goals.
Walsh loves the versatile Blue's consistent effort which makes him a fantastic teammate to play alongside.
“(Michael) Gibbons is great for the group,” he said on Sportsday.
“He’s really good for us energy-wise and you can see him bounce around the ground and he’s also a very smart footballer which he’s shown in the last few weeks.
“He’s one you really like playing with as you know you’re going to get consistent effort, he dominated in the VFL playing on the ball and he’s been able to now go forward and add that string to his bow.
“You can just tell his smarts around the footy really helps us as a team and it’s great to see him up and about.”
There’s been plenty of talk about the fitness of co-captain Patrick Cripps, who the club confirmed last week is continuing to play through pain this season.
Cripps put together a season-best performance against Fremantle, finding the ball on 34 occasions as well as kicking two goals.
“(Patrick) Cripps is an unbelievable leader,” Walsh said.
“He’s been massive not only for me, but a lot of us younger boys who have come in the last three or four years.
“When you run out alongside him, you stand taller. From that perspective you know he’s always going to bring effort, but he probably was under the pump a bit.
“You know he’s always going to be strong in the contest and he got that going again on the weekend, he’s great with his hands and his tough, physical presence I think will continue.
"I feel we can build some pretty good chemistry that means we can challenge plenty of teams throughout the year.”