In past years, Gold Coast had the likes of dual Brownlow winner Chris Judd and Marc Murphy to hone in on, but one man has overshadowed both of them this season.

After playing across half-back for most of his career, former No. 1 draft pick Bryce Gibbs has found a permanent home in the Blues’ midfield this season.

Albeit in only three games, Gibbs has produced better statistical number against the GC SUNS than any other club. He averages almost 25 touches and 10 marks against Guy McKenna’s men, and he shapes a key weapon in Saturday’s clash at Etihad Stadium.

While he has pinch-hit in the centre of the ground previously, Gibbs told afl.com.au that a pre-season discussion with coach Mick Malthouse prompted his shift there on a regular basis.

"(The midfield) was where I wanted to play my footy," Gibbs said.

"Mick's been really good, he asked me where I wanted to play and he's given me the opportunity to play in the position that I want.

"So I'm just trying to grab it with both hands."

Few would argue Gibbs has failed to do that.

Showing he has the hard-edged inside game to complement his outside skills, the 25-year-old has led Carlton in centre clearances this year (40 at an average of 2.2 a game, 15 more than the next best Blue, Murphy, and 11th in the AFL), overall clearances (5.5 a game, 14th in the AFL) and tackles (5.3 a game, 21st in the AFL).

Gibbs is also second at Carlton for average possessions (24.5 a game) and contested possessions (10.8).

The former Glenelg player's growing importance to Carlton was underlined when the club re-signed him for five years in June, a commitment that took Gibbs out of this year's free agency market and almost certainly ensured he would remain a Blue for life.

Gibbs is "really confident" Carlton has the players and coaching staff to win a premiership before his new contract expires at the end of 2019.

He has also been buoyed by the way the Blues have rebounded from their 71-point loss to the Sydney Swans in round 17. Their win against North Melbourne in round 18 was followed by an unlucky five-point loss to Fremantle at Patersons Stadium last Thursday night.

The midfielder said Malthouse's message after the loss to the Dockers was that the Blues were "close" but had to eradicate the late skill errors that had cost them in their five losses by two goals or less this year.

The 13th-placed Blues play a finals contender every week until the end of the season, with Gold Coast, Geelong, Port Adelaide and Essendon awaiting them.