Sam Gilbert
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Birth | August 19, 1986 , New South Wales |
| Recruited from | Southport |
| Height and weight | 194cm / 85kg |
| Playing career¹ | |
| Debut | Round 8, May 21, 2006, St. Kilda vs. Carlton, at MCG |
| Team(s) | St. Kilda (2006-)
25 games, 9 goals |
| ¹ Statistics to end of Round 11, 2008 season | |
| Career highlights | |
• AFL Rising Star Nomination, Round 16 2007
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Sam Gilbert (born August 19, 1986) is an Australian rules footballer in the Australian Football League.
He was recruited as the #33 draft pick in the 2005 AFL Draft from Southport. He made his debut for St. Kilda in Round 8, 2006 against Carlton. Gilbert played only one further match in 2006, failing to make a big impact.
Gilbert has a rugby league background from his junior days playing for the Bilambil Jets in the Group 18 Rugby League on the New South Wales Northern Coast. His grandfather and great-grandfather played for St. George Dragons in the New South Wales Rugby League.[1]
He moved to the Gold Coast, Queensland at the age of 14, where he switched to Australian Rules at the Coolangatta-Tweed Blues[2], before moving to Southport, Queensland. He attracted the eye of talent scouts after impressing at Southport Sharks and in the Queensland Scorpions representative side.
His league background has led to his physical approach and strong tackling ability. He has become a cult figure amongst Saints fans for his "goose-step", a rugby manoeuvre he has used successfully in the AFL. His future holds much promise and there has even been speculation that he could captain the side one day.[citation needed]
Gilbert also has a distance running background under coach Brian Chapman who coached Commonwealth Games and Goodwill Games medalist Melissa Rollinson.
[edit] 2007 Season
The 2007 season brought further opportunities for Gilbert, and he was included for the Round 5 match against Port Adelaide Power, after excellent form in St Kilda's VFL reserves side. Setting the pattern for his team mates, Gilbert laid seven tackles. He held his spot in the side and blossomed under coach Ross Lyon, playing every game for the rest of the year. Gilbert was drafted as a key defender, but his agility and speed allow him to play through the midfield and up forward. His goal-kicking on the run has been a highlight of his second season.
After a statistically strong performance in Round 16, in which Gilbert had 16 kicks, 12 marks and 6 handballs, he was awarded the AFL Rising Star Nomination for that round. [3]
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Sam Gilbert profile on the Official AFL Website of the St Kilda Football Club
- Sam Gilbert's statistics from AFL Tables
Sam Gilbert's MySpace page www.mypspace.com/gilbisgreat
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