New Crow Sam Gibson was determined to make his first impression count in Monday’s time trial.
Gibson, who crossed from North Melbourne in the AFL Trade Period, claimed the honours in the Club’s 2km run at the Adelaide Athletics Stadium.
Gibson and fellow recruit Bryce Gibbs started training with their younger teammates last week, but completed their first day with the full Crows squad on Monday.
A veteran of 130 AFL games, Gibson said he felt like a draftee again coming into a new club.
“I’ve been around a little while now, but I sort of feel like I’m starting from scratch with a new side,” Gibson said.
“It’s the first couple of weeks when you make impressions, so I’m out there trying to make a good first impression and then we’ll go from there.
“It’s always daunting starting your day at the ‘aths’ (athletics) track, but it’s nice to finish the session and to have met everyone now.
“The nerves are out of the way and we can focus on the rest of the week.”
Gibson, 31, beat fierce competitors and strong runners Jake Kelly and Rory Sloane across the line.
The wingman, who has previously held the Kangaroos’ time trial title, is well regarded for his work ethic and professionalism.
He hold’s the League’s longest active streak of games played (130) having not missed a game since his debut in 2012.
Gibson was optimistic his endurance and no-frills approach would help him earn a place in Adelaide’s senior team.
“I guess, my running has shown this morning that it’s the pillar of my game,” he said.
“That wing/half-forward/half-back rotation is something that I’d like to knuckle down on, but I’m coming into a (team that was a) Grand Finalist and I know it’s going to be hard to squeeze a spot in that 22.”
Sam Gibson after completing training on Monday
Adelaide is actually Gibson’s third AFL club.
The former rookie spent a year on Hawthorn’s list in 2006 without playing a game.
Five years later, the mature-age recruit was given another opportunity with North Melbourne, and made his AFL debut in Round One, 2012.
Gibson said he’d made a smooth transition to the Crows.
“They’re a really welcoming group and a great bunch of guys,” he said.
“It’s similar but, at the same time, different to North Melbourne.
“I’ve fitted in really well and really quickly.”
