While the season has ended for most of the Kangaroos, it’s not the case for Sam Gibson. The mature age recruit has had little time to reflect on the disappointing Elimination Final defeat and will be pulling on the boots for Werribee in the VFL on Sunday.

The only problem is, the 26-year old hadn’t counted on playing.

“My partner Jade and I had planned our engagement party for next Saturday the 22nd, which means if we win this weekend and Werribee get into the Grand Final, we’ll have to postpone,” Gibson told kangaroos.com.au.

“That’s just the reality of playing football, your life has to fit in around it. I think Jade had booked a band and friends of ours were flying in to come to the party, so we’ll just have to wait and see. If we need to put it off we will.”

As well as making changes to his off season plans, Gibson also had to change his mindset once he found out he was still required to play.

“Once you think the season’s over, you sort of start to switch off mentally but when Donald (McDonald) told me on Tuesday they wanted me to play, I had to get back into training mode again.”

“It’s a really exciting time playing VFL finals. It was obviously very important to me when I was captaining Box Hill last year so I know how significant it is. Finals football is great so it will be good to get out there again with the Werribee boys.”

Gibson hasn’t missed a game for the Kangaroos since making his AFL debut in round 12 against the Gold Coast Suns. His impressive first season is the result of hard work and dedication.

“I’ve loved my first year at North so far. It’s been a long journey to get here but I think I’m better for the experience and it makes me value how great this opportunity is.

“Despite the disappointing result against West Coast, we got a taste of finals this season and we’re all looking forward to improving on that next year.”

Gibson also encouraged all North Melbourne fans to support Werribee this Sunday as it takes on Geelong in the VFL preliminary final. Majak Daw, Ben Speight, Ben Warren, Ben McKinley, Brad Mangan, Cam Pedersen, Ayden Kennedy and Will Sierakowski will also be in action.

Werribee Tigers V Geelong Cats
Sunday 16 September, 2:10pm
North Port Oval