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Adelaide's Gibbs not done in AFL: Pyke

3 minute read

Adelaide veteran Bryce Gibbs still has a future in the AFL despite being dropped for a fourth time this season, Crows coach Don Pyke says,

DON PYKE Senior Coach of the Crows addresses his players during the 2017 Toyota AFL Grand Final match at MCG in Australia.
DON PYKE Senior Coach of the Crows addresses his players during the 2017 Toyota AFL Grand Final match at MCG in Australia. Picture: Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images

Adelaide coach Don Pyke is adamant out-of-favour veteran Bryce Gibbs isn't finished as an AFL player.

Pyke has dropped the 30-year-old for a fourth time this season with Gibbs to miss Saturday's clash against arch foe Port Adelaide.

"He's going through a little bit of a tough patch at the moment but he'll come out the other side," Pyke told reporters on Friday.

Adelaide lured Gibbs from Carlton at the end of the 2017 season, paying effectively two first-round draft picks for the midfielder.

But after finishing fourth in Adelaide's club champion award last season, the 261-gamer has fallen from selection favour this year.

Gibbs hasn't played consecutive AFL games since round three and Pyke said he missed his chance when failing to fire when recalled for last week's loss to Geelong.

"Bryce is not in the best of form, he would be the first to admit that," Pyke said.

"But we're working hard with him in terms of getting back into good form playing the sort of footy we know he's capable of.

"We're really confident that is going to turn around and he's going to be an important part of the club going forward."

Pyke said Gibbs must simply perform strongly in state league ranks and work tirelessly to again earn an AFL spot.

"There's no real secrets in the game: it's go back, keep working hard and when he gets his next opportunity, be ready to grab that," he said.

"It's not easy for him. Like any player who goes through a bit of a drop in form, it's natural to have some uncertainty about it.

"I'm really confident he will turn this around. He's a quality player and that is why we got him to the footy club."

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