Since returning to the side in round 5, Ibbotson has been one of the most prolific players in the AFL, averaging 25 disposals and 10 marks over three games.
He was one of Freo’s best against the Magpies with 29 disposals, 12 marks and numerous intercept plays on Magpie forward forays.
Ibbotson has been used a loose man in defence, and it’s a role he’s relishing.
“It’s good being able to play that loose man across half-back,” he said.
“We identified that we needed to drop one off where we can because having an extra one back there really helps.
“Obviously it helps defensively, but offensively we have a number back there that we can use to run and create.”
Time and time again on Saturday night, Ibbotson broke up Collingwood kicks to gun forward Travis Cloke, who is the most targeted inside 50 player in the AFL.
The athletic defender praised Luke McPharlin for keeping Cloke goalless, but admitted the All Australian full-back had a bit of help from his teammates.
“That’s part of the reason we have that spare player down there, to try and sit in front of Travis Cloke,” Ibbotson said.
“Just to have someone sitting in front of his space to try and stop his lead-up really helps Luke out and I thought we were really good at that tonight.”
Ibbotson said Freo’s overall performance in the 27-point win had both good and bad aspects.
“To start really well was good, but to come back like Collingwood did, wasn’t,” he said.
“The character was good in the end, but we want to be able to hold and maintain a solid performance for four quarters.
“That’s what is going to show the character of the group, once we can get that done.”
