Gibcus 'on the up' following successful trip to QatarAfter a testing year of injury, emerging Richmond defender Josh Gibcus is tracking well as he looks towards his return in 2024.
By Grace Kalac
Richmond Media
23 December 2023
It's been a testing year of injury, but things are "on the up" for emerging Richmond defender Josh Gibcus as he eyes his return in 2024.
The 20-year-old spent a successful week in the Middle East in October, undergoing intensive rehabilitation at Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital.
Gibcus travelled with Tigers physiotherapist Anthony Schache to visit the world leading sports medicine practice in Doha, where they worked with specialist Dr Enda King.
Josh Gibcus in Doha, Qatar.A complex hamstring issue derailed Gibcus’ second season in the league, after an initial tendon injury in January, which required surgery, was followed by further complications that eventually ruled him out for the year.
Relieved to now have the injury under control, Gibcus said the trip was an eye-opening experience.
"It was a hard-hitting, high-intensity stretch of strength work. Putting me in positions that aren't really comfortable for a hamstring and applying weight to it, but also improving muscles that are also around the hamstring to help it with some overload as well," he said.
Josh Gibcus at Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Doha."(It was) obviously a frustrating year last year. It was a struggle (for me)... But, hopefully now it's all fixed and (I'm) ready for next year.
"I do appreciate what the Club did for me going above and beyond. Taking me to the facility that we went to, which was state of the art. A lot of top athletes around the world go there to do their rehab and pre-season training."
Josh Gibcus at Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Doha.Gibcus said he returned back to Melbourne with valuable insights that would propel both him and the Club forward.
"I got a lot out of it and Schache did as well," he said.
"It was very different over there, it was a fun and exciting journey that we went on to help me and the Club.
"Dr Enda King was unreal... He actually took me out for a round of golf while I was over there, he was an unbelievable bloke.
"It's very fast-moving over there, it was a good experience."
Josh Gibcus in Doha, Qatar.Gibcus, Richmond's No. 9 pick from the 2021 NAB AFL Draft, said he was likely to resume full training in the coming weeks.
"It's a bit of a relief that I've been in certain situations where I'm putting my leg in uncomfortable situations and being okay," he said.
"That's how in my head I know we're going well and are on track."
While "having a year off your favourite thing to do is tough", it's given Gibcus an appreciation for what's ahead.
"It makes me hungry... I've missed it, I'm excited for next year," he said.
"My first year, playing a handful of games, I got to learn how quick the speed of the ball was, how other teams like to play, and just overall getting a feel for what the game was like.
"My second year, I was able to watch a lot more footy from above, just to have a look at what they're doing on the field. So, there was learning still.
"(In 2024) I want to keep chipping away at what I want to get better at and then improving what I'm already good at. That's what I want to keep my focus on."
As the team wraps up their first pre-season training phase ahead of the Christmas break, Gibcus said the "vibe has been very good" at Tigerland.
"Camp (in Iverloch) was really fun, except for the 10-kilometre run, 20-kilometre bike ride and beach sprints," he joked.
"It was a lot of fun to have that connection and get to know our new coaches a bit more. I think it's been very positive for all the boys and coaching staff.
"Coming in with the first to fourth years, we tried to set the bar where we wanted it to be at. And when the older boys came in, they met it and I think we're going very well right now.
"(Adem) Yze has been very good, he's demanded a lot of us but he's also encouraged us to become better, not just as AFL players but as people.
“I think the new coaches and players have adjusted to our way of football very easily and have been quick to learn about who we are and what we want to achieve."
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1480006/gibcus-on-the-up-following-successful-trip-to-qatar
