Player Watch #28 Josh Gibcus Re-Signed 2026

[Tackle Bag]

Would like to see him playing the Grimes third man role or Broads role at times next year. He isn’t built for the big guns just yet but seems to have great timing and safe hands suited to the third man role.

Give him some bursts on the number one Key Forward when the game is safe. Let him build confidence again. We cooked him this year by overworking him against bigger opponents I reckon. Was a shadow of himself by the end of the year.

 

[Mr Magic]

Would like to see him playing the Grimes third man role or Broads role at times next year. He isn’t built for the big guns just yet but seems to have great timing and safe hands suited to the third man role.

Give him some bursts on the number one Key Forward when the game is safe. Let him build confidence again. We cooked him this year by overworking him against bigger opponents I reckon. Was a shadow of himself by the end of the year.

Why even talk about last year? He will be far more developed next year, he is not over 30

 

[AstuteTiger]

“I DO PINCH MYSELF”: GIBCUS LOVING “UNREAL” RICHMOND EXPERIENCE​

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

10

Shane Edwards

Age

36

Ht

182cm

Wt

78kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.2

4star

K

8.1

3star

HB

9.1

5star

M

2.6

3star

T

2.9

4star

CL

3.0

4star

D

16.4

4star

K

6.6

3star

HB

9.8

5star

M

0.6

1star

T

3.0

4star

CL

4.2

5star

D

8.6

3star

K

5.2

2star

HB

3.4

3star

M

3.4

4star

T

1.2

3star

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

2

Dylan Grimes

Age

33

Ht

194cm

Wt

92kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.6

3star

K

6.3

2star

HB

5.3

4star

M

3.9

4star

T

2.4

4star

MG

136.0

2star

D

12.2

3star

K

7.4

3star

HB

4.8

3star

M

4.7

4star

T

1.4

2star

MG

136.0

2star

D

9.4

3star

K

3.8

2star

HB

5.6

4star

M

3.0

3star

T

1.0

3star

, three-time premiership skipper Trent Cotchin

9

Trent Cotchin

Age

34

Ht

185cm

Wt

86kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

23.4

5star

K

13.8

5star

HB

9.5

5star

M

3.4

3star

T

3.9

5star

CL

5.2

5star

D

19.0

4star

K

9.5

4star

HB

9.5

5star

M

2.7

3star

T

4.3

5star

CL

3.5

4star

D

16.6

4star

K

8.0

3star

HB

8.6

5star

M

4.6

5star

T

1.0

3star

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

14

Tim Taranto

Age

26

Ht

188cm

Wt

87kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

22.3

5star

K

12.8

5star

HB

9.5

5star

M

3.6

4star

T

5.6

5star

CL

4.1

5star

D

17.0

4star

K

12.0

5star

HB

5.0

3star

M

1.5

2star

T

3.0

4star

CL

5.5

5star

D

15.6

4star

K

7.6

3star

HB

8.0

5star

M

1.8

2star

T

4.0

5star

CL

2.2

4star

and Jacob Hopper

22

Jacob Hopper

Age

27

Ht

187cm

Wt

86kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

21.0

5star

K

9.9

4star

HB

11.1

5star

M

2.9

3star

T

4.5

5star

CL

4.3

5star

D

17.6

4star

K

8.8

4star

HB

8.9

4star

M

2.4

3star

T

4.6

5star

CL

4.0

5star

D

18.6

5star

K

8.4

4star

HB

10.2

5star

M

4.0

4star

T

3.8

5star

CL

3.4

5star

, 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.”

“I do pinch myself”: Gibcus loving “unreal” Richmond experience

He impressed many in his debut season for the Tigers.

www.sen.com.au

 

[Tiger_Of_Old]

“I DO PINCH MYSELF”: GIBCUS LOVING “UNREAL” RICHMOND EXPERIENCE​

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.”

“I do pinch myself”: Gibcus loving “unreal” Richmond experience

He impressed many in his debut season for the Tigers.

www.sen.com.au

Be a great Combo next too lynch.

 

[Grrr]

I think he should play above Tarrant. Balta can play Tarrant's role, Gibcus, Grimes and Broad give us plenty of height. Gibcus is going to be some sort of player and will be 3 or 4 kgs heavier and stronger this year. If he has a form stagger, which is not unusual for a second year player, then Tarrant is waiting in the wings.

 

[Rioli2Rioli]

He is listed as 196cm & 87kgs (which has been his height weight since june last year)
Im hoping he would have grown 1-2 cm and added 7-8kgs by March 2023

 

[Grrr]

He is listed as 196cm & 87kgs (which has been his height weight since june last year)
Im hoping he would have grown 1-2 cm and added 7-8kgs by March 2023

And with his spring and his hang time he can play even taller. Plenty of tall forwards around that don't use their body much, Hipwood, King bros etc so he is suited to the modern tall mobile types. Broad has a bit of trouble with those types sometimes.

 

[energyquant]

He is listed as 196cm & 87kgs (which has been his height weight since june last year)
Im hoping he would have grown 10-20 cm and added 17-18kgs by March 2023

EFA

 

[Walt Kowalski]

I think he should play above Tarrant. Balta can play Tarrant's role, Gibcus, Grimes and Broad give us plenty of height. Gibcus is going to be some sort of player and will be 3 or 4 kgs heavier and stronger this year. If he has a form stagger, which is not unusual for a second year player, then Tarrant is waiting in the wings.

Tarrant was epic this year. When Gibcus deserves his spot he'll get it.

And Balta cannot do the same lockdown as Tarrant does.

 

[Grrr]

Tarrant was epic this year. When Gibcus deserves his spot he'll get it.

And Balta cannot do the same lockdown as Tarrant does.

As much as Tarrant was good this year, epic maybe a bit strong but he certainly had some great games and surprised but I think you have to develop your players that take you forward. Gibcus looks a gun, as impressive a debut season for a tall back as you will find. He is not someone who will benefit much from running around the VFL and will only get better with a bit more size and confidence.

Balta has locked down players before, the job he has done on Dixon in '21, besides he will improve in that aspect of his game. He has very similar traits to Tarrant without the experience.

 

[Groupie_]

not best 22

has done nothing

 

[Punt Road Feral]

not best 22

has done nothing

Lol really?
His game against Melbourne was a clear stand out for me.
This is when they looked like they were unbeatable and Gibcus really stood up in defence under immence pressure.

As I've said before, he's far more advance as a KPD than both Grimes and Rance were after 1 season, that's a very exciting way to look at it.

 

[Groupie_]

Lol really?
His game against Melbourne was a clear stand out for me.
This is when they looked like they were unbeatable and Gibcus really stood up in defence under immence pressure.

As I've said before, he's far more advance as a KPD than both Grimes and Rance were after 1 season, that's a very exciting way to look at it.

he played 1 or 2 decent games very early then looked like a bumfu*k 2s player and was gifted games cos hes a low pick

needs to be made to earn it and playing him all year cost us top 4

 

[Punt Road Feral]

he played 1 or 2 decent games very early then looked like a bumfu*k 2s player and was gifted games cos hes a low pick

needs to be made to earn it and playing him all year cost us top 4

There was a lot more reasons than Gibcus playing that cost us a top 4 place.
Laying the blame on a first year key position player is unfair imo.

He started off very well and did wane a bit as the year went on but I'd like to know who was more deserving of a game than him for the majoirty of his 'gifted games'

 

[Sir_Loin]

There was a lot more reasons that Gibcus playing that cost us a top 4 place.
Laying the blame on a first year key position player is unfair imo.

He started off very well and did wane a bit as the year went on but I'd like to know who was more deserving of a game than him for the majoirty of his 'gifted games'

Love him. Going to be a gun for us. He played too many games though seemed to be a bit cooked towards the end of the year. He’ll be better with another preseason. Only play him this year if we have injuries which will happen given the age profile of the backline

 

[DickieKnee]

did wane a bit as the year went on

That's to be expected with a young first year player. Another pre season will build his endurance.

 

[Grrr]

he played 1 or 2 decent games very early then looked like a bumfu*k 2s player and was gifted games cos hes a low pick

needs to be made to earn it and playing him all year cost us top 4

So then why were so many on this board complaining that he hadn't received a Rising Star half way through the season.

 

[Groupie_]

So then why were so many on this board complaining that he hadn't received a Rising Star half way through the season.

cos theyre arse kissers

 

[beema limapep]

he played 1 or 2 decent games very early then looked like a bomfu*k 2s player and was gifted games cos hes a low pick

 

[Groupie_]

View attachment 1553436

number 1 on video hits !

 

[RichmondEshays]

Up until the port game mid year Gibcus was putting in some quality shifts he was ranked 2nd behind daicos as the best first year player.

 

[Groupie_]

Up until the port game mid year Gibcus was putting in some quality shifts he was ranked 2nd behind daicos as the best first year player.

 

[Marcel Proust]

Tylar Young being added to the list will be interesting for Gibcus?

 

[Drunken Wookie]

Tylar Young being added to the list will be interesting for Gibcus?

Young > Gibcus at this stage tbh. Was clearly a better defender when they occupied the same backline in the 2's to my eyes.
Gibcus has way more upside but if you want a reliable defender today I'd be looking to Young.
Personally, I like the Gibcus forward idea, he has all the tools.

 

[Barnzy]

I think he should play above Tarrant. Balta can play Tarrant's role, Gibcus, Grimes and Broad give us plenty of height. Gibcus is going to be some sort of player and will be 3 or 4 kgs heavier and stronger this year. If he has a form stagger, which is not unusual for a second year player, then Tarrant is waiting in the wings.

Tarrant has 'one year too many' written all over him ala Edwards who was cooked last season.

Once the athleticism starts to fade in key backs it can pretty brutal to watch. He would be one one of my bigger worries and the fact I think the coaches will select him regardless until it's too obvious.

In that case, we need to hope Gibcus stamps himself and keeps Tarrant out.