Bryce Gibbs returns home to play for the Adelaide Crows :-: abc net
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After a year of speculation, the Adelaide Crows have secured Carlton's Bryce Gibbs to shore up its midfield.
The South Australian was recruited by Carlton from Glenelg Football Club in the SANFL as the first pick in the 2006 AFL National Draft but now joins the Crows in his home state with a four-year deal.
In a complicated deal, the Crows sent picks 10, 16 and 73 in this year's draft to the Blues as well as their second round pick in next year's draft.
In return, they have received Gibbs, pick 77 in this year's draft, as well as Carlton's second and third round selections next year.
Adelaide list management and strategy general manager Justin Reid said the deal secured for Gibbs was much better than "what was discussed 12 months ago"
"To be able to bring in an A-grade midfielder and improve our position for next year's draft is a great result for our club," he said.
Gibbs, 28, averaged 27 possessions for Carlton this year and kicked 17 goals.
He led the team in clearances and tackles and ranked second for inside 50s, contested possessions and score involvements.
Gibbs has played 231 of a possible 248 matches for Carlton, which finished the year in 16th place on the ladder.
"Bryce is not only a quality player, but a quality person as well, and he will have an immediate impact on our playing group both on and off the field," Reid said.
He is also more likely to stick around due to the fact he was born in SA.
The Crows have long suffered the loss of Victorian players returning to their home state — most recently Jake Lever, who requested a move to Melbourne FC after just three seasons with the Crows.
Other losses have included AFL star Patrick Dangerfield, who returned to Geelong after a respectful eight seasons with the Crows.
