Serena Gibbs (born 3 June 2000) is an Australian rules footballer playing for Carlton in the AFL Women's (AFLW).

Junior career

As a junior, Gibbs initially played netball in the Victorian state league.[1] She switched to football in 2019 on the recommendation of the mother of Gibbs' friend Emerson Woods. (Gibbs and Woods would later reunite as teammates at Carlton).[2] Gibbs began playing for the Eastern Ranges in the NAB League Girls. Although she lacked the football knowledge of more experienced players, she nevertheless had a successful season, leading the club's goalkicking with 11 goals and ranking among the top three players in the club's best and fairest.[1]

Gibbs also played six matches for Hawthorn in the VFL Women's (VFLW). Her performance in a game against Melbourne University, in which she kicked two goals and took four marks against a defence featuring AFLW players, was particularly noted for establishing her footballing potential to clubs' scouts.[1][2]

AFLW career

Gibbs was selected by Carlton with pick 44 in the 2019 AFLW draft, their fourth selection.[1] In 2020, she focused on developing her football skills and gym work, but ultimately would not play any AFLW matches in her first year.[3] In the lead-up to the 2021 season, Gibbs played as Carlton's full-forward in a practice match against St Kilda, and kicked two goals in a strong display.[4] Carlton's co-captain Kerryn Harrington predicted Gibbs would "get her opportunity" in 2021;[5] she went on to make her AFLW debut in round 5 against North Melbourne.[6] It was revealed Gibbs signed a one year contract extension with Carlton on 10 June 2021.[7]

References

External links

• Serena Gibbs's profile on the official website of the Carlton Football Club
• Serena Gibbs at AustralianFootball.com