Gibson fell into the awkward zone of being too small for a key post, but not quick enough to command a flank position.

His performance as best afield for the Preston Knights in their 1993 flag win attracted the Hawks, but his talent only occasionally came to the surface at Hawthorn such as the time he kicked five goals in a half against Geelong in 1997.

Traded to Collingwood, he started well by being chosen in the first two games, but then hamstring problems and loss of form meant that he only played one more senior game for the year.