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Ex Carlton number one draft pick, current Adelaide Crow Bryce Gibbs sparks controversy with ‘Baggers’ tweet

The West Australian
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In just one word the football community is questioning Bryce Gibbs’ loyalty to his current side, the Adelaide Crows.

Former Blue Bryce Gibbs.
Camera IconFormer Blue Bryce Gibbs. Credit: JOE CASTRO/AAPIMAGE

Gibbs, a former number one draft pick for Carlton in 2006, was obviously impressed by the Blues’ one-point thriller over Essendon on Saturday night and took to social media, tweeting “Baggers”.

But Gibbs, who played 231 games for Carlton, is now a Crow - although remains out-of-favour playing just 12 games in 2019 and just one game in 2020.

Immediately social media lit up with Blues fans begging the 31-year-old to return.

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“Heya @markricciuto Can we please have Bryce back where he belongs bro. Cheers,” one person commented.

“Come home Gibbsy your mission to destroy the Crows has been a success. It's time to win a flag with the baggers!” another said.

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“You can never take the Carlton out of a man, once a Blue always a Blue,” another comment read.

But the move wasn’t met with praise from former Bulldogs tough nut Brad Johnson.

“I wouldn’t be doing it, no. Personally I wouldn’t because it does what we’re talking about now (fuel speculation) – and why bring that to the attention of everybody? Even if you thought it and deep down were rapt for your old club – and that’s all it is for Bryce Gibbs and let’s put it in perspective, that’s all it is – but you just don’t need to do it to yourself,” Johnson said on FoxFooty.

“I don’t have a problem with it really, but personally would I do it? No.

“Even in the past if I’d have changed clubs and loved the Dogs and I moved, I’d be pumped for them. But I wouldn’t put it out there like that. But that’s just me as a person.”

Other footy fans agreed, especially given the player unrest the Adelaide Crows are facing.

Crows football director Mark Ricciuto has sparked controversy in recent weeks by hitting out at players who have left the club in recent years.

“I’m calling subtle dig from a bloke clearly not happy in his situation,” one fan said.

“Mate be careful, otherwise @markricciuto gonna call you out on his media platform,” another posted.

“You’ve set the cat amongst the pigeons with this tweet! Love it,” another said.

“Something wrong in Adelaide when a crows player gets excited by his old side going ok!” a fan said.

Gibbs’ winless Adelaide will take on Brisbane later today, with Gibbs not included in the Crows 22.

He remains out of the senior side and isn’t contracted beyond 2021.

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