Essendon draftee Michael Hibberd has compared his playing style to running St Kilda defender Sam Gilbert.

Recruited from Frankston, the 21 year old was offered the last spot on the clubs senior list in the 2011 Pre-Season Draft.

 “I am a quick, competitive back-man that can play on a tall or small.” Hibberd said.

“Probably a Sam Gilbert type I reckon. I’d be pretty close to playing the same game as him.”
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A member of the VFL team of the season in 2010, Hibberd never gave up hope of realising his dream of playing AFL.

“I only had a rough inkling they were interest in me but there were no guarantees,” he said.

“It’s really good, a big relief and it’s a great feeling. Definitely it’s been a few years in the waiting now so it’s good to be here.”

Hibberd said he looked forward to learning and developing under the guidance of Senior Coach James Hird.

“Yeah it’s great, he’s a champion of the game so it’s a big honour to be here playing under him.”
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