They did back Gibcus in more than they might have if he wasn't such a talent. By the time he got to the VFL he was shot and needed a rest, two pretty average weeks in the VFL, a spell if you like.He was objectively performing better, Gibcus barely got near it in the 2's. When he came straight back into the side it was pretty confusing given his VFL performances, which plenty mentioned at the time. I'm not hanging s**t on him he's an obvious talent and will go past Young and not look back but will take a bit of time. Shift forward might even be worth a try given his rare assets.
But he will be much better for another preseason. A lot of match simulation goes on before rd.1, a good deal of that he would have missed or not really fully included in as a first year, so he should be a fair bit better, given his quality. So I hope they back him in early. If he needs a spell then do it and rotate Young or Biggy through his spot if needed.
I don't think forward is his go right now. For one thing he will spend his time trying not to get in Jack or Lynch's way and think it more important to get some time into Miller forward (2nd ruck) so he can feel like he belongs there.
Reckon Gibcus will surprise this year.