AF 2014 Profile: Michael Hibberd

[ADEZ]

Season 2013:
Averaged 87.1 over all 22 games

2013 Scores:
66   88  84   113  97  105  92  83  113  99  55  89  69  78  74  90  86  78  116  85  50 104

5 x 100+
10 x 80 - 100
3 x 70 - 80
4 x less than 70



Michael Hibberd is one of the better mature age recruits that has happened. When you consider Hibberd as a mature age player you would think he is 25+ and genuinely mature by the way he plays, yet he is only 23!
He enjoyed what many would consider a third year breakout at Essendon this year, running fourth in the Crichton Medal (Essendon's Best and Fairest) behind Goddard, Watson and Heppell as well as being awarded the Adam Ramanauskas Most Courageous Player Award. He, like Watson, was one of the few players not to be phased by the scrutiny
Hibberd is a skilful player, has natural ball winning ability,reads the play well, can kick a long goal when given half a chance and has brilliant hands:
http://www.essendonfc.com.au/video/2013-09-09/btv-crichton-countdown-michael-hibberd
Stats wise, Hibberd clearly had his best season to date. Playing as a (loose)defender/midfielder he averaged an exceptional 23.6 disposals, 6 marks and 87 DT points over all 22 games in 2013.


His consistent DT production was mainly a result of his ball winning ability and marking prowess, playing mainly as a defender, to drop below 20 disposals in just 4 games (18%) is an exceptional effort and hit the disposal 30 disposal amount twice (twice more then Judd ;)).
DT wise he started like a house on fire averaging 97 between rounds 2 and 10. For the entire season, he dropped below 80 on just 7 occasions and its safe to say he dislike Carlton with scores of 50 and 55 against them thanks to Armfield. He scored in range of 104-116 five times which surpasses most defenders.

2013 Prediction:
Much the same as this year I think ~ 90

ADEZ's Verdict:
I really like Hibberd and loved him in DT this year, I want to back him in but it depends upon DPP movements and discounts. Looks likely as a unique however, at 23 he can only improve and could very well flourish under Thompson

[Mr.Craig]

Had some good times and bad times with Hibbo this year. He lost some of his marking mojo in the second half of the season - averaged 6.9 in the first 11 games and 5.3 in the last 11. Dropped some really easy ones.

Should be in the top 8 again I'd imagine. I'll probably give him another go around.

[henry]

Absolutely love him as a player, and also loved him in my dt when picking him up in that backline carnage week.

I would love to start him, but if the likes of mitchell, mcveigh and simpson get dpp may be hard to. Will definitely be in my team sometime in the year though.

[Kellogscrunchynut]

More consistant than most high end defenders well worth consideration.

[Football Factory]

Absolutely love him as a player, and also loved him in my dt when picking him up in that backline carnage week.

I would love to start him, but if the likes of mitchell, mcveigh and simpson get dpp may be hard to. Will definitely be in my team sometime in the year though.

+1 .. at some stage Hibberd will be in my team

[Ricochet]

All depends on dpp changes for me. May well end up in my side at some point though

[Colliwobblers]

almost sure he will be a DT premium but given the likely movements of premiums to def next season not sure hibbo will make the top echelon.

love him, lock him in for SC but not sure for DT yet. got to be close but wont start him.

if myers gets his trade out of the bombers this might further help hibbo with disposals....

love the write up

[Toga]

So many good options down back for next year!

McVeigh & Suckling (and Lids if he gains DPP) are as good as locked for me, while Hibberd, Birchall and a few other guys will be fighting it out for my other premiums down back.

Nice write up! :)