If ever a player has flown under the radar, it is Fremantle’s Garrick Ibbotson.
Ibbotson has played every game this season and has become a critical link in Fremantle’s back six, after playing just 12 games during an interrupted 2014 season.
Fellow defender Michael Johnson, who is in line to play his 200th game against Richmond on Friday, said the versatile Ibbotson had stepped up to play on the opposition’s third tall.
Johnson told 6PR on Tuesday that with defenders Zac Dawson and Alex Silvagni out injured, Ibbotson had picked up the slack.
“Garrick has been fantastic,” he said.
“He’s stepped up and played on the third tall.
Ibbotson has played 136 games after he came to Fremantle at pick 26 in National Draft in 2005.
Johnson said Ibboston had also stepped into his shoes late last year, when he was out with a back injury.
“He gives us more run from the backline,” he said.
Johnson learning from the best
“He can play tall but can run like a midfielder.
“It’s a real bonus to our team.”
Johnson said Ibbotson had an interrupted 2014, he had worked hard to earn his spot in the team.
“Garrick was out of the team a couple of times but he worked on what he needed to improve,” he said.
“He reads the ball well and is really quick for his size.
“He’s very talented at many sports, he has a good background in soccer and other sports.”
