Gibson was previously rookie-listed by Hawthorn in 2007 before being delisted the same year, but says his extra time in the VFL has him better prepared this time around.
“I think being a bit older has helped me during the pre-season because my body can handle the heavier work load,” Gibson told kangaroos.com.au.
“Coming from Box Hill there has definitely been a jump in intensity but I’m really enjoying the hard work and pushing myself to the next level without anything holding me back.”
It hasn’t been an easy journey for the 25 year-old civil engineer who wasn’t sure he would receive another opportunity after his time at the Hawks.
“After I left Hawthorn I was pretty disappointed but all I wanted to do was make up for it. It made me more determined to work hard at VFL level and focus on improving as a footballer.
“It was encouraging for me to watch a few of the other boys at Box Hill get picked up, like Cam Pedersen, which helped me realise there was still a chance for me to make it back on an AFL list.”
Gibson is relishing life at North Melbourne and enjoys his days being filled with nothing but footy.
“Life is a bit simpler now rather than playing VFL and working full-time. There are fewer distractions which is great because I can focus solely on my football again.”
Gibson credits an impressive finish at the front of the pack at last week’s time trial to his attitude during the break.
“It is pretty nerve racking going into a time trial on the first day back but I worked really hard over the Christmas break so it was good to see the hard work pay off.
“I was pretty happy with my time, it was a good starting point.”
