Josh Gibcus impressed many with the way he went about his business for Richmond in 2022.
The no.9 draft pick featured in 18 games in his debut campaign in the yellow and black and picked up the club’s Best First Year Player award for his troubles.
Gibcus’ first experience at AFL level came in front of more than 72,000 fans at the MCG against Carlton in Round 1 and it is something that he won’t forget anytime soon, even if it did end in defeat.
“Shane Edwards put it in a good light which was walking out before the game and to take a look around the whole stadium and the crowd and take it all in,” he said on SEN’s Overnights.
“You couldn’t hear your own thoughts with (almost) 75,000 people there. Playing in that match, you couldn’t hear yourself or your teammates or anything, but it was just unreal to be able to say that I did play Round 1 against Carlton.
“It was an unfortunate loss but it was a good starting point (for me).”
After what many would consider a more than proficient debut season, Gibcus admits he at times has to pinch himself just to remember where he is and what he does for a living.
Especially considering the company he keeps, namely co-captain Dylan Grimes, three-time premiership skipper Trent Cotchin and superstar Dustin Martin.
“I do pinch myself quite a bit saying that I have been picked by Richmond and got to play a few games this year,” he added.
“It’s big to realise that I have lived out my dream as a kid to be able to play on the big stage with a couple of big names such as ‘Grimesy’, ‘Cotch’ and ‘Dusty’.
“I was honoured to be able to put on the jumper first of all and to be named Best First Year Player was a good honour.”
The GWV Rebels product, who slotted in nicely to Richmond’s defence this year, was also able to experience living with triple premiership coach Damien Hardwick during the season.
“‘Dimma’ is an unreal bloke,” the 19-year-old said.
“He’s probably one of the better blokes I’ve met. I got to actually live with him for a couple of months so I got to know him a bit better.
“He loves Richmond, he loves the boys and he’ll do anything for us. You can see that, on and off the field.
“He’s one of the best coaches I’ve had over my footy career.”
Having lost the Elimination Final narrowly to Brisbane, 2023 looms as a massive year for the Tigers who many believe may have lost their shot at another flag with the current playing list.
However, there are some pundits who are adamant that Richmond, after adding Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, remain well and truly in contention.
Gibcus concurs.
“We just got Taranto and Hopper and obviously they’re unreal players,” he said further.
“I got to play against both of them in the early rounds of the year. They were standouts for them and I think they’ll help us a lot coming into our side.
“I think the run is not over. We still have a chance to be top four by the end of next year and even have a run for the premiership as well.
“I don’t think it’s quite over yet.”
With this month’s draft rapidly approaching, Gibcus recalls last year’s edition when the Tigers grabbed him inside the top 10 ahead of St Kilda.
And he has not looked back since.
“It was between Richmond and St Kilda. There were a couple of other clubs as well,” said the key back.
“But Richmond, it was a great pick (to have). To be able to get picked up by them and play for them this year was obviously a great honour and I’m privileged to be able to put on the jumper.”