The following is an opinion piece from AFL.com.au's Nick Bowen.

Sam Gibson has been a revelation since being given a chance in the AFL as a 26-year-old.

After being drafted by North Melbourne in the 2012 rookie draft at pick No. 63, Gibson made his debut in round 12 last season and has not missed a game since.

This season Gibson is second at North for total possessions, averaging 21.8 a game, racking up a season-high 30 disposals against the Brisbane Lions in round four and again against Adelaide in round nine.

Gibson's game is built around elite endurance. The best long-distance runner at North, he constantly runs into space during games to create a short option for his teammates.

His work ethic here enables him to pick up uncontested possessions almost at will. Gibson is ranked equal sixth in the competition in this statistic, averaging 17 uncontested possessions a game, and is ranked seventh for uncontested marks (6.2 a game).

Gibson has been one of North's best players in its two games since the round 12 bye.

In round 13 against Fremantle, Gibson finished with 23 possessions in the Roos' 38-point loss.

In last Sunday's 86-point win over Greater Western Sydney, Gibson was North's most prolific midfielder with 26 disposals.

Now 27, Gibson has played 26 games for the Roos and, despite being a relative newcomer, has become a leader at the club, particularly through his professional preparation for games.