Gilbo's Fresh Start

[saintbrat]

[Quote} A post-season backpacking trip through Europe with some old school friends was the perfect tonic to have the 26-year-old primed for the next chapter in his career.

The highlights included chasing the mysterious Northern Lights through Iceland and enjoying the revelry of Munich's Oktoberfest.

"It's something I had never done before and it was an incredible experience," he said. "We stayed in hostels and just trekked our way through. I'm rapt to have done it and it really gives you motivation to come back and get into the hard work."

In the past couple of weeks he has experienced another first - snow.

The Saints have been in Boulder, Colorado, for a pre-season camp with new coach Alan Richardson and Gilbert has been like a kid in a candy store.

"The club came to Boulder last year, but I was the only one who didn't come because I had shoulder surgery," he said


"This is my first time ever seeing snow, so I'm enjoying it for those reasons as well as the fact that it's been really challenging."

He feels mentally and physically refreshed with his knee no longer an issue after it stood up for the last three games of the season.

"I did a mini pre-season during the season and just to be able to train and then eventually play those couple of games late in the year gives you that little bit of confidence to go away and keep up the hard working coming into this season," he said.

Gilbert is yet to find out what Richardson's expectations are for the man once described as the Saints' triple threat, given his ability to play back, forward or in the midfield.

"Richo is a very honest guy and you have to work hard and show him, not just tell him," Gilbert said. "With a new coach, everyone has to work to get a game again and that's all I want to do.


Read more: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/s ... z2nGDKnBQY

[Toy Saint]

Like Gilbert, he could be a star

[Hurricane]

I hope the Gilbo kicks on next season and becomes and out and out star.

Could easily play 8 or 9 different positions with his height and speed. Hopefully Richo can get him as focused as possible.

BANG BANG

[Beno88]

I stopped reading when Gullan implied Gilbert has played around five good games in his career.

[Cairnsman]

He's got the potential to rip the game apart...I'm a fan.

[joffaboy]

Everyone was impressed with his form in the last three games of the season.

Gave the backline a lot of run, his disposal was much better, and seemed a reborn player.

No suprised to read that he felt rejuvenated after the long lay off through injury.

Also the terrible time he had after the 2010 season is behind him.

Hope he kicks on.

Still young enough to be part of our next finals campaign.

[Dr Spaceman]

He's got the potential to rip the game apart...I'm a fan.

Yeah Cairnsman.

Some people just write him off because of his kicking, which admittedly can be a bit iffy.

Others have basically written him off following the KD incident, which to be fair involved a younger, less mature Gilbo.

But the guy has a unique combination of height, speed, strength, toughness and competiveness.

And because of that I would be happy to have him in any 22 for the Saints.

[stinger]

He's got the potential to rip the game apart...I'm a fan.

Yeah Cairnsman.

Some people just write him off because of his kicking, which admittedly can be a bit iffy.

Others have basically written him off following the KD incident, which to be fair involved a younger, less mature Gilbo.

But the guy has a unique combination of height, speed, strength, toughness and competiveness.

And because of that I would be happy to have him in any 22 for the Saints.

+1

[CURLY]

He's got the potential to rip the game apart...I'm a fan.

Yeah Cairnsman.

Some people just write him off because of his kicking, which admittedly can be a bit iffy.

Others have basically written him off following the KD incident, which to be fair involved a younger, less mature Gilbo.

But the guy has a unique combination of height, speed, strength, toughness and competiveness.

And because of that I would be happy to have him in any 22 for the Saints.

The KD incident was the single biggest lot of bulltash ever to reach the press. Young bloke has sex with young girl....Stop the press.

[bigcarl]

He is a gun despite what some on here would have you believe.

How many guys 195cm can run like him and play tall or small? Very good player who has a lot of good football ahead of him

[kimberly saint]

my lasting memory of gilbert is the drawn grand final. Every one talks about lenny bj heroics and that bounce , but if gilbert had kicked straight he would of been a grand final legend . When he went forward that game he played huge part in swinging it around .
Any way solid player , 26 should step it up a bit with bit luck

[Johnny Favier]

Everyone was impressed with his form in the last three games of the season.

Gave the backline a lot of run, his disposal was much better, and seemed a reborn player.

No suprised to read that he felt rejuvenated after the long lay off through injury.

Also the terrible time he had after the 2010 season is behind him.

Hope he kicks on.

Still young enough to be part of our next finals campaign.

I'm glad to see somebody else noticed this too.
He's probably known for a while this was a weak point in his game, and it seems he's put a fair bit of work into tightening up his disposal.
He certainly does seem a more driven and hungry player now compared to the shadow of his former self of 2011-2012.

IMO he can become a very damaging player, and I'm sure Richo realises what a weapon he could be turned into if he's used in the right places on the ground - possibly in a similar role that Matthew Young used to play.

Yet another reason to look forward to next season! Bring it on! I'm genuinely excited and looking forward to the development of our team over the next few years.

[kosifantutti]

my lasting memory of gilbert is the drawn grand final. Every one talks about lenny bj heroics and that bounce , but if gilbert had kicked straight he would of been a grand final legend . When he went forward that game he played huge part in swinging it around .
Any way solid player , 26 should step it up a bit with bit luck

Kick straight?

How many did he miss?

[kosifantutti]

I stopped reading when Gullan implied Gilbert has played around five good games in his career.

I think he meant since 2011

[kimberly saint]

my lasting memory of gilbert is the drawn grand final. Every one talks about lenny bj heroics and that bounce , but if gilbert had kicked straight he would of been a grand final legend . When he went forward that game he played huge part in swinging it around .
Any way solid player , 26 should step it up a bit with bit luck

Kick straight?

How many did he miss?

sprayed couple , wats ya point ??

[kosifantutti]

my lasting memory of gilbert is the drawn grand final. Every one talks about lenny bj heroics and that bounce , but if gilbert had kicked straight he would of been a grand final legend . When he went forward that game he played huge part in swinging it around .
Any way solid player , 26 should step it up a bit with bit luck

Kick straight?

How many did he miss?

sprayed couple , wats ya point ??

I remember him kicking a goal. I can't remember him missing. I do remember him being out marked by Maxwell who sent it up the other end for Collingwood's last goal.

[mr six o'clock]

Like Gilbert, he could be a star

[White Winmar]

He could become the midfield "beast" we so desperately need.

[saintsRrising]

I have always been a big Gilbo fan.

[citywest]

I like Gilbert too but I think he should be traded next year. He will be 27 and not in the correct age demographic for us. As I have stated in a previous post, Hawthorn will be light on for tall defenders after 2014. Lake will be almost 33 and Josh Gibson almost 32.

I am sure that the Hawks would give us their first pick (which could be as low as 18 but may be higher)for Gilbo. If it is higher, say pick 14 then we could give them Gilbo plus our 3rd round pick as well.

[bigcarl]

I like Gilbert too but I think he should be traded next year. He will be 27 and not in the correct age demographic for us.

I don't agree. He'll still be playing good football for us when we next play finals.

[plugger66]

I like Gilbert too but I think he should be traded next year. He will be 27 and not in the correct age demographic for us. As I have stated in a previous post, Hawthorn will be light on for tall defenders after 2014. Lake will be almost 33 and Josh Gibson almost 32.

I am sure that the Hawks would give us their first pick (which could be as low as 18 but may be higher)for Gilbo. If it is higher, say pick 14 then we could give them Gilbo plus our 3rd round pick as well.

Maybe we should trade very single player on our list because more than likely none will play in a winning GF team just like none have since 1966. Maybe the WB, freo and melbourne can do the same. 27 to old. Seriously.

[Spinner]

I'm not a fan.

His actual performance for the last three years has been no where near his perceived performance.

He has been below average for a long time.

[bigcarl]

He could become the midfield "beast" we so desperately need.

He's kind of tall for a mid, but you could be on to something. Good call

[BackFromUSA]

I'm not a fan.

His actual performance for the last three years has been no where near his perceived performance.

He has been below average for a long time.

Played injured for the 'cause' in 2011 and 2012. Knee injury stopped him in 2013.

Injury free he is a gun.

Showed his capability last few games 2013.

Genuinely loves the club. Gives 1000% effort (not a typo) and is the ultimate utility.

Can even play chf one day if a certain blonde captain can no longer fill the role.

With the recruitment of Delaney and Bruce I think Gilbo will play wing or flanks.