Get ready for some serious noise at Mineral Resources Park this Sunday. Kellie Gibson—yeah, that Gibson, the one who’s basically been glued to the Eagles since day one—hits her 50th AFLW game. And who do they get for the occasion? The Giants, of course. No pressure.
From Day-One Eagle to Locker Room Boss
Gibson’s been around since the Eagles first threw their hat in the AFLW ring. Back then, she was one of the first names on the list—probably because she can outrun half the league and doesn’t mind getting scrappy when it matters. She’s played just about everywhere on the ground, too. Utility queen? You bet.
She’s 29 now, which I guess counts as “senior” in footy years. But she’s not just clocking up games—she’s actually doing the whole mentor thing. And honestly? She’s not shy about it.
“I’ve definitely had to step up as a leader,” Gibson said. “We’ve got a bunch of young guns hanging around, and they’re all hungry as hell. They want to get better, which means I’ve gotta keep pushing myself too. It’s kinda contagious.”
Chipping Away, Year After Year
Gibson’s not one to coast on past glories. She’s been grinding away at her game, trying out new roles this season. The coaches—especially Daisy Pearce—have been in her corner, which helps.
“It’s all about those little one-percenters, right?” Gibson reckoned. “I’m just building my game bit by bit, especially around getting in and under at contests. The coaches have had my back the whole way.”
Daisy Pearce: Big Fan, Big Praise
Speaking of Daisy, she’s not short on compliments. She knows what Gibson brings—energy, experience, and just straight-up footy smarts. The Eagles aren’t exactly swimming in 50-gamers, so this is a pretty big deal.
“Kellie’s been massive for us,” Pearce said. “She just leads by doing. Brings that spark, and the rest follow. Hitting 50 games? That’s no joke in this league.”
Yeah, only three other Eagles women have even managed it. So, uh, respect where it’s due.
Sunday’s Test: Time to Bounce Back
Let’s not sugarcoat it—the Eagles copped a hiding against Melbourne last round. Pearce isn’t pretending otherwise, but she’s all about the bounce-back. Team’s had their honest chats, dusted off the disappointment, and now it’s all eyes on the Giants.
“Last week wasn’t us, simple as that,” Pearce admitted. “But we’ve owned it, and now we’re back to work. Lessons learned, now let’s actually show it.”
Good news for the Eagles: captain Emma Swanson’s off the naughty list and ready to go, and Dana Hooker’s back after smashing it at training. The Giants, though? They’re on a roll—two wins in a row, running hot, and pretty lethal when they get moving.
“They’ve got speed to burn and aren’t afraid to use it,” Pearce warned. “We’re up for the challenge, though. Bring it on.”
More Than Just a Number
For Gibson, it’s not just about ticking off game 50. It’s something bigger—legacy stuff. She’s helped build the AFLW Eagles from the ground up, and she’s still shaping what this squad’s all about.
So, Sunday’s not just another game. It’s a shot at redemption, a milestone, and maybe the start of a new chapter. If Gibson’s got anything to do with it, you can bet the Eagles midfield will be flying in—heart, hustle, and all.
Seriously, don’t blink. This one’s got “memorable” written all over it.
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