“Reliable, not remarkable.”
While there have been many remarkable moments throughout his 12-year AFL career (a record 21 spoils in a final is certainly one), but it’s reliability that springs to mind when someone mentions Josh Gibson.
And, despite the premierships, the All Australian, and the best and fairest awards, this is how the retiring Hawthorn great would like to be remembered.
“I just know that I’ve given [the game] everything that I can,” Gibson told RSN Breakfast on Thursday morning.
“I’ve always worked super hard, always trained super hard. I was never the most talented but I always just backed myself to be reliable, not remarkable.
“I know my teammates will say I gave it everything and tried my best, and that’s how I want to be remembered.”
Gibson is set to hang up the boots at season’s end, capping off a stellar 12-year career that included two clubs (North Melbourne 2005-2009, Hawthorn 2010-2017), three premierships (2013-15), two Peter Crimmins Medals (2013, 2015) and an All-Australian selection (2015).
Read: Which is your favourite Josh Gibson moment?
A team player ‘til the end, Gibson will not return for a ‘farewell game’, not wanting to deny an up-and-coming player an opportunity.
Though the emotion was evident as Gibson shared his retirement news with teammates and supporters, the All-Australian defender knew the time was right.
“It was an emotional day,” said Gibson.
I’ve been preparing for it for a long time, but when it came to the crunch of telling the boys officially, I went to water.”
“The first half of the year I was playing with a few niggles, but I gave [my adductor] a fair tear in Round 12 and I knew it would be tough [to get back] from there.”
“I’ve been very lucky that I’ve been able to… experience some success, so I can retirement pretty comfortably.”
Gibson will be farewelled with a lap of honour during Hawthorn’s final home and away clash against Western Bulldogs. Get your tickets here.
