In just his second season at North Melbourne, Sam Gibson is remarkably the seventh-oldest player on the club’s young list. But despite his maturity, the 26-year old feels no pressure to become a leader – at least for the moment.

“It’s (leadership qualities) something that you can’t force. It will develop if it develops,” Gibson told NMFC.com.au. 

“My focus now is trying to integrate with the team and trying to find my spot and then those things will probably happen after that.”

With 13 games to his name in 2012, Gibson was a revelation through the midfield with his endurance and ball-winning ability in the latter half of the season earning him a new two-year contract. Now he wants to take the next step.

“I’m just really trying to get my bodywork better and being able to compete with the other guys, just so that I can perhaps get through the middle at some stage and have a few more strings to my bow.”

In an exclusive video interview, Gibson also spoke of the challenges of pre-season training and his excitement ahead of the NAB Cup.

PRESS PLAY above to watch the interview | YouTube