NEW North Melbourne mature-age rookie Sam Gibson believes he has come a long way since his stint as a Hawthorn rookie in 2006 and is confident of making an impact at the Roos.
Gibson was selected in last week's rookie draft where a record 11 mature-age VFL players were taken.
Persistence won out for Gibson, who is looking to follow in the footsteps of Box Hill teammate Cameron Pedersen, who played in round one for North Melbourne after being taken as a rookie last year.
The 25-year-old, selected with pick 63, averaged 28 disposals last season as an outside midfielder.
''I'd have to be pretty confident because they're not going to be rookie-listing a 25-year-old just to make up the numbers on the list,'' Gibson said of playing in round one.
''I think I've always been capable of playing AFL and nothing's changed. It doesn't bother me that I'm a rookie.''
Gibson, a civil engineer, said he was ready to tough it out on a rookie wage.
''Money's not an issue for me. I'd like to think I've educated myself without any trouble. This is more about an opportunity. It's something that you can't really put a price on,'' he said.
''It's important to have something out of footy to keep your brain ticking over.''
Click HERE to read full article from The Age's Brent Diamond.
Last Modified on 03/02/2012 13:15