Pretty shocked he only played those finals. Not one in 2013 is the damning one. Him on Gunston and who knows.. 2014 he also missed.I can also see the Hughes and Ibbo comparisons too....
Both are 185ish cm medium tall defenders.
Both started their careers slowly.
Ibbotson when fully fit was in freos backline when freo made finals in that 2010-15 period.
Ibbotson had a solid career though. Only played in 3 finals wins sadly: the 2010 elim final win vs the hawks the 2012 elim finals win vs the cats and the 2015 qualifying final win vs the swans.
He had an injury riddled 2013 season. Sadly missed out on the 3 finals in that Famous 2013 season where freo made that grand final.
I was suprised he reitred in 2017 aged only 29 years old. I seriously though he would play on for another 2-3 seasons. With him retired, Ironically Hughes played 18 games in 2018 on Ibbotsons position in the back pocket or back flank as a small defender.
Him and McPhee. Always wished we kept McPhee or persuaded him. Would’ve been key too.
Hughes is 188cm. Plays like 195cm. Those types are needed/pretty much in every clubs backline.