Gibbons was named as rover in the star-studded line-up, with Murray Bushrangers teammate Nick Holman, of Kyabram, winning a spot on the interchange.

The quick midfielder polled 13 votes in the Morrish Medal in Melbourne on Sunday night to finish three behind Bendigo Pioneers’ Jacob Chisari, Eastern Ranges’ Ben Cavarra, Geelong Falcons’ George Cameron and Gippsland Power’s Josh Scott.

Gibbons missed five matches with national championships commitments and one through injury.

“I wasn’t expecting much.” he said.

“I just went down to represent the Bushies so I was pretty stoked, to be honest — it was a big surprise.”

Originally from Riverina league club Coolamon, Gibbons moved to the Border last year and has made a huge impact captaining the Bushrangers.

He will undergo four days of testing and interviews in Melbourne next month ahead of the AFL draft.

“I’ll keep as fit as I can and see how things go,” he said.

Gibbons looks set to play his third match for the Panthers this season in Sunday’s preliminary final against Albury at Norm Minns Oval.

He missed Lavington’s win over Wangaratta Rovers at the weekend due to an ankle injury he suffered in the Bushrangers’ elimination final loss to Western Jets.

“Hopefully I can get over that and put my hand up for selection,” Gibbons said.

“I’d love to play if I got picked — it’s an awesome club and I have enjoyed going back and playing this year.”