His consistency, leadership and ability to read the play and zone off his opponent to help his fellow defenders gives him that mantle.
In many ways, Gibson is one of the Club’s most selfless and courageous players as he relentlessly puts his body on the line, never fearing what could be waiting for him.
He finished the season ranked as the number one player in the competition for one percenters, 194 and an average of nine per game.
Those figures underline his desire to play his role, to sacrifice his game and to do whatever it takes to ensure his teammates and his Club are victorious at the end of the day.
Of course, he is one of the premier spoilers in the competition, but his offensive work isn’t to be forgotten. As good as Gibson is as a defender, his ability to provide his team with run and drive off half back makes him a unique player in the league today.
His best games come when he is damaging both defensively and offensively, and one of the best examples of that was the Round 3 clash against Adelaide.
In that game, Gibson nullified Crows forward Taylor Walker, had 30 disposals, took 15 marks and laid six tackles. In many ways, it was the complete game.
He has taken on a mentoring role with fellow defender Ryan Schoenmakers who continuously showed rapid improvement throughout the 2012 season.
Gibson’s ability to, week in, week out help his developing teammate who at times, was undersized isn’t too be forgotten.
He arguably saved his best performances for the 2012 finals series when he illustrated exactly how important he is to the Hawthorn defensive unit.
In the Qualifying Final, Gibson had 20 disposals, 17 spoils and five marks.
Then, in the Preliminary Final against the Crows, his ability to work his way into the game, to show the maturity, leadership and determination to turn his game around in a match where he was well held by the Crows forward line was impressive.
He reclaimed his role as the third man up in the second half and was one of the reasons why Hawthorn was able to win its way through to the Grand Final.
Over the three finals games, Gibson had a remarkable 34 one percenters, and most of those spoils.
He has been an important addition to the Hawthorn line-up since crossing from the Kangaroos, and with the acquisition of full back Brian Lake, his role and his standing in the team could become even more damaging.
The way he his game changes and the way in which he adapts to that change, if a change does occur with be one of the most interesting factors as we head into the 2013 season.
| GA | K | H | D | DE% | CP | UP | M | CL | T | I50 | G | PCM | |
| 2012 averages | 22 | 8.9 | 7.2 | 16 | 84 | 4.7 | 10.9 | 4.9 | 0.1 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 0 | 79 |
Gibson spoils Collingwood's Dane Swan in the Qualifying Final. One of many for the game.
Gibson in the news in 2012
Grateful Gibson relishes the chanceVideos featuring Gibson in 2012
Rnd22 Report: GibsonHow did you rate Gibson's 2012 season? Leave your view below.
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2012 Player Review
