Season by Season

A versatile and athletic tall, the Saints took Gilbert in 2005 with pick number 33 in the 2005 National AFL Draft.

The defender has been a constant in the Saints line-up for the past six seasons, and provides great run and drive off a back-flank and a wing.

In 2012 Gilbert illustrated his versatility by pushing forward at times to provide a marking target. It’s this flexibility that allows Scott Watters to play Gilbert pretty much anywhere, although it’s in defence where the left footer looks to be most settled in the long-term.

The 194cm defender is versatile, agile and strong enough to match up on forwards of any size.

Sam provides great run from defence and his strong marking ability, allows him to be utilised both up forward and down back.

2012 will be Sam’s seventh season with the Club after he was drafted with pick #33 in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft.

Sam grew up playing rugby league after a strong family connection to the game. His grandfather and great grandfather, Herb Gilbert, played for St George Dragons in the NSW Football League Premiership. Herb was also a dual-code rugby international who captained Australia at rugby league.

At the age of 16, Sam switched to Australian Rules at the Coolangatta-Tweed Blues, before moving to Southport (QLD). He attracted the eye of talent scouts after impressing at Southport Sharks and in the Queensland Scorpions Representative Side.

Originally from NSW, Sam’s accolades include a Rising Star nomination during his second year with the Club, selection in the All-Australian team for the International Rules Series in 2010, and in the same year placed equal third in the Club’s Best and Fairest.