we need to do something left field and get these indigineous kids on the right track. Id be looking at enrolling him at melbourne grammer as a boarder and make sure he finishes his school and whilst there learn a thing or two about discipline. i think we've proven that taking delinquents straight into an elite sporting outfit simply doesnt work. Now Im not saying gibbo is a delinquent but i do understand he has been in some strife...straight to boarding school in his first 12 months and you know what, he might just realise his god given talents rather than peeing them up against the wall
Labelling him a delinquent says a more about yourself than it does him.. The boy is giving it a go!!!! a bit of support can go a long way
http://www.insidefootballonline.com/news2.htmlAFL NEWS
Territorian Turner making all the right moves
Gibson Turner is renowned for his moves on the football field but it was a move made two years ago that the lightning fast indigenous talent describes as the best of his career.
"I used to get into trouble with the police a bit so I moved in with my grandmother to stay out of trouble," he said.
"She's made me a better person and I owe her a lot because I wasn't going to school there for a while and if it wasn't for her I might have even been in jail instead of at this draft camp.
"I look back on it now as a really smart move."
While residing at Saint Teresa, an aboriginal community 140km east of Alice Springs, Turner began to turn his life around and by sheer chance got the break he was hoping for when a former scholar of Adelaide's prestigious Sacred Heart College offered his services tutoring students at Saint Teresa.
He tested Turner, along with three other students, who gained entry level requirements to attend Sacred Heart.
While apprehensive about making the move from a township of 300 to a city of one million, the opportunity was one Turner says has developed all facets of his life.
"It was difficult last year being my first away from home but although I was playing for Norwood I didn't play much for them because there was so much school footy to play," he said.
"But this year I just got used to it and it's been a whole lot better. I only get homesick once in while.
"I've grown up and matured a fair bit I reckon, both mentally and physically."
Despite not testing at the October draft camp because of an ankle injury, the buzz is high on the livewire forward.
The 18-year-old averaged two goals a game for Northern Territory at the national championships and is considered one of the draft's best small forwards.
The one-time wayward teenager is now very much right on track.
"When I go home the kids there now think I'm the big role model," he said.
"They all want to be like me which is pretty good. If some of them can follow me it would be great."
A West Coast fan who rates Aaron Davey as his favourite player, Turner says he is ready to go anywhere to pursue his AFL dream.
Having been away from home for the past two seasons, he is undaunted by the likelihood of moving interstate.
"I'm ready for it," he said.