Greater Western Victoria's Josh Gibcus is a bonafide top 10 talent for the 2021 National Draft, firming as the leading key-defender in his class.
Given the smaller sample of tall full-time backmen elsewhere in the draft, Gibcus' value to AFL clubs is sure to be magnified as the count draws closer.
A threat in defence given his ability in the air to lock-down opposition forwards, gather the ball at ground level and negate and impact opposition forward entries for his team's benefit.
Was one of four GWV Rebels players to earn a spot in the NAB League Boys Team of the Year, taking the role of centre half-back.
Having shown plenty of composure on some difficult tasks throughout his career heading toward the AFL Draft, Gibcus looks to be a ready-made asset that can plug a hole in defence from next year, before blossoming into a substantial threat for any side down the road.
While his role when attacking may be an area for improvement, there is no questioning Gibcus' ability to hinder any oncoming onslaught and give his side the best chance of keeping opponent scores to a minimum.
Team:ย Greater Western Victoria Rebels
Position:ย Defender
Height:ย 195cm
Weight:ย 84kg
Strengths
Vertical
Lockdown defence
Intercept
Ability to impact attacking entries
Pressure
Congratulations to GWVR players
โข Josh Rentsch @PenshurstFNC
โข Josh Gibcus @EastPointFNC
โข Jamieson Ballantyne @PortlandTigers
โข Hamish Sinnott @CdownMagpies on their selection to attend 2021 NAB AFL Draft Combine which is the most of any NAB League Club.All the best boys pic.twitter.com/qm2TyjHZGx— GWV Rebels (@GWVRebels) August 24, 2021
Weaknesses
Kicking
Transitioning into attack
Draft Range
2-8
Potential Landing Spots
Greater Western Sydney (Pick 2), Gold Coast (Pick 3), Hawthorn (Pick 5)
AFL Comparisons
Jordan Ridley
Sam Taylor
Tom Doedee
Expert Comments
"Clubs place a premium on intercept defenders and Gibcus' talents in the backline are obvious to all. The Rebels prospect models his game on Brisbane's Harris Andrews and Melbourne's Jake Lever, and there are similarities in their style with the leap and reading of the play." - Callum Twomey
