Gibbons is finally a step closer to realising his AFL dream after he accepted an invitation to join the Blues’ pre-season training program.

Gibbons and TAC Cup product Matthew Cottrell have both been invited by Carlton to train up until February 28 as part of the pre-season supplemental selection period.

Carlton has the option to add either or both to their list up until the period ends on March 15.

Carlton list manager Michael Agresta is pleased to be able to give Gibbons a chance.

“It’s terrific to have both Matthew and Michael join our pre-season program, they have great potential and are both extremely excited about this opportunity,” Agresta told the Carlton website.

“We rated both players highly before the draft, so it is great we have another opportunity to get a look at them. They have the potential to further boost our midfield depth which we have really strengthened during the trade and draft period.”

A handful of clubs spoke to Gibbons before this year’s draft after he took out his second JJ Liston Trophy in the VFL.

But again he was overlooked, angering many in the football community.

The Blues lost co-captain Sam Docherty this week to an ACL injury but are confident of covering his loss internally, and have chose to try and add midfield depth instead through the pre-season supplemental selection period.

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